Leeds United have been proven right about Martin Baturina twice, and his goal against England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the most emphatic reminder yet that they cannot afford to miss out a third time.
The Croatian attacker announced himself on the global stage on Wednesday, scoring a neat finish that gave England a genuine scare before they eventually ran out 4-2 winners in their World Cup opener.
It was the kind of goal that stops scroll feeds, gets talked about in pubs, and drives transfer fees northward overnight – and Leeds United supporters watching on will have recognised it immediately as the work of a player they know all too well.
Baturina is not a new name at Elland Road. He is a familiar frustration, and the timing of his World Cup moment could not be more pointed.
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Baturina scores screamer and assists as Dinamo Zagreb draw 2-2 with Monaco.
Leeds must act as Baturina proves his quality at World Cup
The history between Baturina and Leeds is a cautionary tale of missed opportunities.
In the summer of 2024, the Whites had a £25million bid accepted by Dinamo Zagreb, only for the player himself to reject the move on deadline day.
He chose to remain in Croatia instead of moving to the Championship before eventually joining Como in a deal worth up to £21.7m in summer 2025.
As the 23-year-old struggled to hit the ground running in Serie A, Leeds United returned in January with a bid of around £26m – only this time it was Como who held firm, rejecting the offer entirely.
With the benefit of hindsight, the Italian club made the right call, as Baturina has since been valued at a staggering £69m, with Bayern Munich and Aston Villa among those now circling.
A goal against England at the World Cup will only accelerate that process.
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Why Leeds United must pick up phone again
The realistic assessment is uncomfortable. At £69m, Baturina has likely moved beyond Leeds’ financial reach under Daniel Farke.
The window they had to sign him at a management fee has almost certainly closed, but the Elland Road club’s track record on the attacker is impeccable.
They identified him early, moved twice and were right on both occasions.
Sometimes the third call is the one that matters. Leeds United owe it to themselves to find out.
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