Leeds United Make Contact With Serie A Side Over Midfielder Dubbed ‘Next Modric’

Leeds United have approached Serie A side Como over a potential transfer for Croatian midfielder Martin Baturina.

Daniel Farke’s side have made a good start to life back in the Premier League.

The Yorkshire outfit sit 16th in the table, eight points clear of the bottom three.

They have lost just once in the last six league games, and look in a strong position to ensure survival.

But nothing is guaranteed in football, especially in the Premier League.

With that in mind, Farke and the club’s leadership remain determined to strengthen in January.

Midfield is an area of concern, with reports that Leeds are interested in Joe Willock of Newcastle.

And it has now emerged that they have been in touch with Italian side Como – managed by former Arsenal and Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas – over a move for Martin Baturina.

Leeds United Enquire About Martin Baturina Transfer

Twenty-two-year-old Croatian international Baturina joined Como over the summer for €18m.

But his first season in Serie A has been tougher than he would have hoped, and talk of an exit has been growing.

Baturina has made 11 appearances in the Italian top flight, scoring two goals.

Baturina. #ComoBologna pic.twitter.com/pi8bXNqrbA

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA) January 13, 2026

But with opportunities limited, it’s believed he is now exploring his options.

It’s not yet clear if Leeds’ interest is in a loan deal or a permanent move, with the latter likely to cost upwards of £20 million.

But with Daniel Farke and the Leeds board keen on Baturina, he remains one of their top targets – be it now or in the summer.

Another priority is signing a goalkeeper, with Manchester City’s James Trafford on Leeds’ radar.

Leeds United Long-Term Admirers Of Baturina

Interest in Baturina from Elland Road has been growing for some time.

In 2024, Leeds were reportedly willing to pay as much as €30 million for the Croatian, though it’s unclear how much truth was in that figure.

What is clear, however, is that both Daniel Farke and the Leeds hierarchy are big admirers.

A versatile and well-rounded option, Baturina primarily operates as an attacking midfielder.

Cesc Fabregas on Martin Baturina:

“I am very happy for him and for the team. He is a great guy, came with a burden of 18 million, as Modrić’s successor, and sometimes that doesn’t help.

You think you’ve done everything, but you haven’t. You have to come here to the physically… pic.twitter.com/qlYXVNrsE5

— TheCroatian (@TheCroatian_) January 10, 2026

But he has frequently been utilised in a deeper midfield role, and even been pushed out wide on occasions.

This flexibility is hugely attractive to Leeds, but it remains to be seen if Como are willing to sell.

Having only signed the youngster in the summer, it seems unlikely they would give up on him so soon.

A loan move may be more likely, but the Italians will be expected to give a new signing like Baturina time to develop and adapt in a new country.

Leeds’ enquiry is serious, but for now it remains just that.