Newcastle United Have ‘Made Contact’ to Sign £21m Midfielder – Report | OneFootball

Newcastle United Enter Race for Croatia’s Rising Star Martin Baturina

In what could become one of the most intriguing transfer chases of the summer, Martin Baturina is drawing serious attention from several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United. As reported by TEAMtalk, the Croatian international is now firmly on the radar of English clubs after another standout season for Dinamo Zagreb.

At just 22 years old, Baturina has proven to be a dynamic and consistent performer in midfield, contributing a notable 18 goal involvements (goals and assists) in a single campaign. This kind of productivity, paired with his €25 million (£21.1m) valuation, makes him a tantalising prospect in the current transfer market.

Strong Premier League Interest Emerging

According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle, Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest have all made contact with Baturina, signalling the early stages of what could quickly become a full-blown bidding war. For the Magpies, this move reflects a continued push to inject technical quality and youth into a midfield that has sometimes lacked creative spark in the absence of key players.

Given his development at Dinamo Zagreb and the maturity in his performances, the player appears “ready for the next step in his career.” With his contract not yet leveraged into a mega-fee, Newcastle might see this summer as the best opportunity to strike before his price inevitably rises.

Photo: IMAGO

Competition Abroad Highlights Baturina’s Potential

The Premier League sides won’t have it easy, though. Baturina has been tracked by Serie A heavyweights for some time. “Inter Milan have been following him for at least two years,” TEAMtalk noted, highlighting their long-standing admiration for the midfielder. Fiorentina also had “concrete interest last summer,” and they may yet return depending on how their squad reshaping unfolds.

This continental interest only adds to the credibility of Baturina’s talent. When clubs like Inter, renowned for nurturing midfielders, show prolonged interest, it often speaks volumes. Newcastle, by getting involved early, are showing both strategic foresight and ambition.

What Baturina Could Offer Newcastle

If Newcastle are successful in signing Baturina, they will be adding a versatile midfielder with high energy levels, a strong eye for a final pass, and a growing reputation for goal contributions. Such attributes would dovetail well with the system under Eddie Howe, particularly in matches where creative midfield presence has been sorely missed.

Photo IMAGO

In a team still building its post-takeover identity, bringing in a player like Baturina — one who has played in European competitions and dominated his domestic league — could help balance the squad’s youth with experience.

Transfer Battle Brewing Fast

As TEAMtalk succinctly put it, “His name is starting to move quickly on the English market,” and with good reason. The combination of affordability, age profile, and proven end product means that more suitors are expected to join the race in the coming weeks. For Newcastle to remain competitive in this hunt, a swift and decisive approach may be key.

With a busy summer ahead for most top-flight clubs, and FFP constraints tightening their grip, a £21.1m gamble on a player of Baturina’s calibre might just represent excellent business. As Newcastle look to return to European competition, adding a player of his style could be a vital piece of the puzzle.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From the black-and-white terraces of St James’ Park, this rumour will be music to the ears of Newcastle fans. Martin Baturina is exactly the sort of signing that shows we mean business – a rising star in European football who can take games by the scruff of the neck and make things happen in the final third.

After seeing how our midfield struggled at times last season, especially with injuries to the likes of Joelinton and Willock, adding someone of Baturina’s creativity and forward drive is an exciting prospect. For €25m, it’s a smart move. Let’s not forget, this is a lad who’s been catching the eye of Inter Milan for years — and they know a good midfielder when they see one.

It also feels like a sign of how far we’ve come. Three years ago, we wouldn’t even be in the conversation for players like this. Now, we’re linked with talents that top Serie A clubs are chasing. The recruitment team deserves credit for moving early, and if they can pull this off, it’ll be another step in the right direction as we build for a future in Europe.

Fans will hope the club pushes this one through quickly. Because once the bigger sides catch on properly, he won’t be available for £21m for long.