Leeds United submit €30m bid for 22-year-old Serie A playmaker

Leeds United have seen an ambitious €30 million opening bid for Martin Baturina rejected by Como as the newly promoted Premier League side step up their January recruitment plans.

The Whites, back in the top flight after lifting the 2024/25 Championship title, are understood to have structured the proposal with a sizeable guaranteed fee alongside performance-related add-ons. It was not enough. Como swiftly knocked back the approach, underlining their reluctance to part with one of their most prized assets midway through the season. While no formal asking price has been communicated, there is a growing sense in West Yorkshire that a deal may prove more realistic in the summer rather than before the winter window shuts.

Baturina’s profile continues to rise despite a relatively quiet introduction to life in Italy. Born in Zurich and developed at Dinamo Zagreb, the 22-year-old arrived in Serie A last summer carrying a reputation as one of Croatia’s standout creative midfielders. His transition under Cesc Fàbregas has been measured rather than explosive, but the raw numbers still catch the eye.

Limited to fewer than 500 minutes across 15 appearances, Baturina has managed three goals and three assists, an impressive return that highlights his efficiency and technical quality. That output has done little to dampen interest, with Leeds far from alone in tracking his progress as several European clubs circle.

For Daniel Farke, the pursuit fits a clear tactical brief. Leeds are keen to add greater invention and attacking variety through the middle as they look to consolidate their Premier League status. While Brenden Aaronson has offered energy and consistency this season, the club believe additional “firepower” could be decisive during the run-in.

Internally, Baturina is viewed as a marquee signing capable of operating across several playmaking roles, though alternatives such as Romano Schmid remain under consideration should negotiations stall. Fàbregas, for his part, has attempted to cool speculation, maintaining that the midfielder remains part of Como’s plans.

The rejection leaves Leeds at a crossroads: return with an improved, potentially record-breaking offer, or exercise patience and revisit the situation once the season concludes.