Martin Baturina has become one of the key names in the European market. The 23-year-old Croatian midfielder from Como is on the radar of Aston Villa and several powerful clubs in the Premier League after a season of tremendous growth in Serie A.
The English club has already made a move but has faced a categorical refusal. Como reportedly turned down an offer exceeding 50 million euros for a player that Cesc Fàbregas considers untouchable within his project.
Martin Baturina excels in the World Cup and Aston Villa makes a €50M offer
Martin Baturina has made the definitive leap this season. The Croatian arrived at Como as an ambitious bet and has become one of the main playmakers in the Italian team.
His World Cup performance has also boosted his reputation. Starting for Croatia in their debut against England, the attacking midfielder scored one of his team's goals in the 4-2 defeat, proving he is ready to compete under high-pressure circumstances.
That goal came at a perfect moment for his valuation. The entire European market is watching the World Cup, and any standout performance can change a player's price in a matter of days.
Baturina had already been aiming high. Months ago, FIFA presented him as one of the players expected to inherit some of Luka Modric's creative burden in Croatia, a huge yet understandable comparison based on his profile.
He's not a clone of the Croatian captain, but he does share some important traits. He has good first touch, plays incisive passes, can turn under pressure, and has an uncommon maturity for his age.
At 23, he is at that exact market point where top clubs start to maneuver before the price becomes prohibitive. Aston Villa knows this and has tried to get ahead.
Como has no intention of letting go of Martin Baturina this summer. Cesc Fàbregas sees him as an essential piece and refuses to even consider his departure, despite the pressure from the Premier League.
Aston Villa's offer is said to have ranged between 50 and 55 million euros. According to Italian reports picked up by BeSoccer and Sports Mole, the Birmingham club already made a formal proposal that was immediately rejected.
Como's stance is very firm. The Italian club is not in a position to sell and would be willing to demand a much higher figure, even close to 80 million euros, before considering any deal.
This price reflects the player's importance in the project. It's not just an economic matter. Losing Baturina would require a complete overhaul of the team's offensive structure.
Fàbregas has built a Como side that is brave, associative, and possesses great flair on the ball. In that system, Baturina is key as he links midfield and attack, threads passes, and accelerates in the final third.
The Spanish coach knows that finding a similar player wouldn't be easy. That's why he's urging the club to resist, at least for one more season, against the financial power of the Premier League.
Aston Villa has been the first to make a strong move, but they won't be the only interested club. The Premier League closely follows Baturina, and several financially strong teams might enter the race.
Unai Emery is looking for more attacking talent to establish Villa among the most ambitious projects in England. The Croatian would fit in due to his technique, mobility, and ability to play through the middle.
Furthermore, his age makes him an investment for the present and future. He's not a novice player, but he hasn't reached his competitive peak yet.
The interest from the Premier League makes sense. English clubs seek attacking midfielders capable of making a difference in tight spaces, and Baturina offers creativity without sacrificing intensity.
There have also been talks of other European giants monitoring his progress, including Bayern Munich. His World Cup performances could attract even more suitors if he maintains his level.
For the player, a move to England would be significant. He would transition to a more physical, faster league with a higher global exposure, albeit with much more pressure from the get-go.
Baturina is no longer just a Croatian prospect. He is a growing reality and one of the players expected to lead the generational shift in his national team.
Croatia has been searching for new leaders since the golden era of Modric, Brozovic, Perisic, and Kramaric. The Como player represents this new cycle with talent, boldness, and maturity.
His market value already reaches significant figures, but Como believes it can still rise much more. That's why they won't accept to sell him for 50 million, even though that amount would already be historic for the club.
Aston Villa may try again. If they raise the offer and come close to the Italian demands, the scenario could change, especially if the player starts to push for the move.
For now, Baturina doesn't seem to be in a hurry. He's comfortable in Como, enjoys Fàbregas's full trust, and understands that playing another year as a leader could be beneficial for him.
The World Cup will be crucial. Each match with Croatia could bring him closer to the Premier League or strengthen Como's position to demand an astronomical figure.
Everything points to Martin Baturina being one of the big names of the summer. Aston Villa has already received the first no, but the race has just begun. And Como, for now, stands firm: their star is not for sale at 50 million.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Como rechaza 50 M€ por Martin Baturina