Manchester United find Bruno Fernandes replacement in Como's 'next Luka Modric'?
Como duo Martin Baturina and Nico Paz excite the Red Devils, though it remains to be seen whether they can raise the funds needed to sign the Croatian midfielder from the Serie A team
With Fernandes's future uncertain and his current contract nearing its expiration, United are weighing a move for the 23-year-old Croatian playmaker, who is valued at up to €80 million by the Italian side. Baturina's impressive form in Serie A has drawn comparisons to Luka Modric, making him an attractive target for a United side undergoing a managerial transition following the departure of Michael Carrick.
With Fernandes's future uncertain and his current contract nearing its expiration, United are weighing a move for the 23-year-old Croatian playmaker, who is valued at up to €80 million by the Italian side. Baturina's impressive form in Serie A has drawn comparisons to Luka Modric, making him an attractive target for a United side undergoing a managerial transition following the departure of Michael Carrick.
With Fernandes's future uncertain and his current contract nearing its expiration, United are weighing a move for the 23-year-old Croatian playmaker, who is valued at up to €80 million by the Italian side. Baturina's impressive form in Serie A has drawn comparisons to Luka Modric, making him an attractive target for a United side undergoing a managerial transition following the departure of Michael Carrick.
Como's Martin Baturina is being considered by Manchester United as a potential replacement for Bruno Fernandes, a report said. The club captain recently rejected a second extension proposal put forward by the Premier League side, which reportedly considers the attacking midfielder an integral part of the squad.
Fernandes is struggling to influence games after having a stellar campaign last year, and United are languishing in the relegation zone. It is not clear whether the Portugal international's double rejection is an effort to land a bigger deal from the club or stems from indecisiveness regarding his future.
The 32-year-old's current contract will run out next summer, but United have an option to extend his stay for another year. If he is not interested in extending his stay at Old Trafford, the club will be looking to avoid a free-agent walkout scenario.
Como's Nico Paz and Baturina are two attacking midfield options that Manchester United are reportedly interested in, but signing the latter looks a more realistic prospect. According to TEAMtalk, United are willing to pay up to €50 million for the Croatian, who is contracted to the Italian side until 2030. As per popular football website TransferMarkt, Baturina 's current market worth is estimated around €55 million. However, the Serie A side are likely to demand €80 million for the 23-year-old, the TEAMtalk report added.
Who is Martin Baturina?
Baturina signed for Como from GNK Dinamo Zagreb in 2025 and has managed 13 goals and six assists across 48 appearances. Often compared to Luka Modric, Baturina is a technically gifted No. 10 who can also function as an attacking No. 8. He is a dream midfielder for any side that thrives playing a possession-oriented game, where players in the middle of the park need to receive the ball under pressure, carry it into advanced areas, and combine in tight spaces.
However, compared to Modric, Baturina is clearly more attack-minded, with his strongest qualities being chance creation, dribbling, movement between the lines, and final-third involvement.
Manchester United fired gaffer Michael Carrick last day over a string of poor performances, including a 4-1 thrashing by Como in the Champions League. Argentine Mauricio Pochettino is all set to take over after having bid his goodbyes at the US men's national camp.