Real Madrid eyeing 21-year-old playmaker recommended by Modric; Man United also keen

As part of their recruitment strategy, Real Madrid have their eyes across the globe for up-and-coming talent who have the potential to make it big.

It has seen them land players like Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, Eduardo Camavinga, and Endrick, among others in recent times, all at a very young age.

Heading into the summer of 2025, Real Madrid have their sights set on another prodigious young talent in Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen.

But now, it appears that another name has piqued their interest.

Real Madrid looking at Martin Baturina

Indeed, according to Sky Germany’s Patrick Berger, Real Madrid are tracking Croatian playmaker Martin Baturina, who plays for Dinamo Zagreb.

Baturina, 21, came through the youth ranks at Dinamo Zagreb and has already gone on to make 128 senior appearances for the club, racking up 16 goals and 32 assists in the process.

The attacking midfielder also has five caps for the Croatian national team and has been attracting interest from several clubs across Europe.

Indeed, this past summer, Baturina had offers from Atletico Madrid, AS Roma, and Fiorentina but opted to continue in Croatia. However, there is a strong possibility that he will leave to take the next step in his career in 2025.

As per the report, Real Madrid have positioned themselves as one of the interested parties, with club captain Luka Modric himself suggesting Baturina’s name.

The 39-year-old veteran knows the youngster having seen him from close quarters with the Croatian national team and has seemingly been convinced of his capabilities, to the extent that he has recommended the player to Real Madrid.

However, Premier League giants Manchester United are also in the hunt to sign Baturina, the report adds, which might complicate matters for Real Madrid.

Baturina is contracted with Dinamo Zagreb until 2028 and is understood to have no release clause in his contract. It will be interesting to see if Real Madrid’s interest in the youngster materialises into something more substantial in the coming months.