Leeds United are reportedly eyeing a move for Como attacking midfield talent Martin Baturina, but if they are to sign him permanently, they’ll require a sale it seems.
The January window is mere weeks away for Daniel Farke and the 49ers. As a result, there should be plans already being formulated around how we can enhance our chances of staying up.
A change to a 3-5-2 might boost them inherently, and if so, Leeds will need investment to strengthen options for that setup.
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Leeds United enter talks to sign Martin Baturina from Como – Fabrizio Romano
Croatia and Como star Martin Baturina has been a long-standing target of United’s for some time. You can see why after his starring performances in the league and Champions League for fomer club Dinamo Zagreb.
The latest comes from Fabrizio Romano, who reveals that the Whites have already initiated talks with the Serie A side over his signature in the January window. That is despite only joining Como in the summer for £21million.
“Baturina is a player Como still wants to focus on, they’re not thinking about a January exit. I’ll tell you the behind-the-scenes story. In the last few days, Leeds has been in touch, the teams are starting to move,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
Martin Baturina has been a reported target for Leeds United since the summer of 2024. (REUTERS/Bruna Casas)
“Leeds has proposed opening talks with Como and the player’s agents about a possible transfer, even a permanent one. Leeds would have practically repaid Baturina to Como. The response I understand from both Como and the player was ‘no, thanks’. Baturina wants to stay at Como, he believes in the project Como is happy with Baturina, with how he trains, the potential he has.
“Baturina continues to work hard, but the door has been closed for Leeds. In short, it also marks some clarity regarding the rumours that have been circulating about the future of the Croatian midfielder.”
If Leeds United are intent on spending big to sign an attacking midfield, Joel Piroe’s days are numbered
Romano’s update is pretty firm on Leeds’ chances of signing Baturina – that it probably won’t happen.
He’s an incredible talent and Como won’t be willing to part ways this early into his time in Italy. That being said, Leeds being supposedly willing to pay as much as £21million does paint a pretty vivid picture for others in the squad.
Again, as Leeds prepare for the January window, it’s worth nothing managing director Robbie Evans’ previous comments. After a disappointing end to the summer window, Evans outlined how Leeds had ‘maxed out’ their PSR allowance through their spending. As a result, the only way for Leeds to boost what they can spend in January is to make a sale or two.
Who leaves midway through a tense survival battle is hard to say. But, one fairly obvious dispensable figure is Joel Piroe.
Joel Piroe hasn’t been able to make an impact for Leeds United this season. (REUTERS/David Klein)
In losing the Dutchman, I can already see many Leeds fans losing their minds. He’s the club’s best finisher and we need goals, so why sell? But, there’s so much more nuance to it. Leeds have looked so much better since becoming a horrible side to play against. Piroe simply cannot contribute to that style of play as a starter.
If there’s a side out there willing to give us an eight-figure sum in January, it could free us up to bring in someone of Baturina’s calibre and quality. And, maybe even a second signing too, with how PSR and amortisation works.
For Piroe, he’d be more than justified to voice his frustration. He scored 33 goals and registered nine assists across two Championship seasons. Now, he’s not what we currently need across 90 minutes.
The value he retains, relative to how little he’s being used now, means he’s probably priority number one to cash in on next month.
Read more: Leeds United finally seeing best of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.