Leeds United are likely to be hard at work in preparation for the January transfer window behind the scenes, and Fabrizio Romano’s latest update proves Adam Underwood’s team is already active.
Underwood has come in for a significant amount of criticism during the first half of the season, especially during Leeds’ run of six defeats in seven games before a win against Chelsea and the Liverpool draw.
But Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha both have four goals now, while Jaka Bijol has opened his account and looks at home in a back three. Anton Stach scored his second Leeds goal on Saturday night.
After a tricky spell, the new signings are starting to prove they were solid acquisitions this summer. But, Leeds will agree that there is a lack of options and quality in the final third and another body is needed.
Leeds United fans react as Fabrizio Romano drops bombshell
Over the weekend, widely-renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Leeds had made an approach to Como to sign Martin Baturina. The Croatia star is struggling to start regularly for Como.
However, Como and Baturina have turned down the advances of Leeds. Hardly surprising, given the former Dinamo Zagreb star had only just joined Como in the summer for a sizeable fee, at a huge £21m.
But Leeds fans would love to see Baturina arrive at Elland Road and have urged the club to persevere and try to get a deal done for the attacking midfielder, ahead of the January window.
One fan is desperate to see Baturina in a Leeds shirt, posting “omg please Leeds, just get it done”. There is plenty of positive reaction urging Leeds to do a deal, with another posting a deal is “very interesting”.
The playmaker has been afforded just one start for Como in Serie A this season, scoring once in a 5-1 win over Torino. The form of former Real Madrid star Nico Paz is keeping Baturina on the bench currently.
But Leeds fans know how good he is, perhaps having researched Baturina when Leeds had a £25m bid accepted at the end of the 2024 summer window. Another fan said “please”, while one said “class on FM”.
Do you think Martin Baturina would be a good signing? 🔥
Baturina scores screamer and assists as Dinamo Zagreb draw 2-2 with Monaco.
However, a couple of supporters identified some issues. One supporter said “they’ve only just signed him” while another pointed out the PSR issues brought to the table by Robbie Evans: “we need to make room”.
What Martin Baturina has said about Luka Modric comparisons
Given his technique, nationality and size, Baturina has been compared to Real Madrid and Croatia icon Luka Modric during his early years at Zagreb. Clearly, the potential is enormous and the hype is very real.
Leeds are admirers of Baturina and have been for some time, and while they may stand a better chance after results against Liverpool and Chelsea, it looks as if they will have to wait for Baturina a touch longer.
Baturina discussed comparisons with Modric, recently: “I don’t think there will ever be another Modrić; we have different styles. But I probably share some qualities. That’s why people make the comparison.”
Baturina will want more football at Como but given he has only just moved to Italy, it looks as if he is going to be patient for at least one season with the Serie A outfit before considering his future.
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