Inter Milan are close to signing Branimir Mlacić from Hajduk Split. The 18-year-old centre-back has agreed terms with the Italian club. Reports say the deal costs over five million euros in total. Hajduk accepted the offer after some back and forth. Medical tests could happen in the next few days.
Mlacić was born in Split in March 2007. He stands at 1.92 meters tall. He plays mainly as a centre-back but can shift positions if needed. He came through Hajduk’s youth system. He signed his first pro contract last year.
This season, he started in several league games. Coaches like his calm style with the ball. He passes well and reads the game. His height helps in air battles too.
Inter first offered four million euros. Hajduk said no. They wanted more. Inter came back with five million plus add-ons. That did the trick. The clubs shook on it yesterday.
Now it waits on the player side. Mlacić might stay at Hajduk on loan until June. That way he gets more minutes. Inter can bring him in next summer.
This move fits Inter’s plan. They like young talents who can grow. Last year they signed others from abroad. Mlacić joins that list. The team tops Serie A right now. But defense needs fresh legs. Older players like Francesco Acerbi won’t last forever. Mlacić could learn from them first.
Other clubs watched him too. Real Madrid asked about him. Barcelona did as well. Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle showed interest. But Inter moved fastest. They talked to his agent weeks ago. A contract until 2030 waits for him. That shows they see big things ahead.
Hajduk Split play in Croatia’s top league. They lead the table this season. Mlacić helped with clean sheets. Fans there call him a future star. Losing him hurts but the money helps. They can sign replacements. Hajduk has a good academy. More kids will step up.
Mlacić has Croatia youth caps. He played under-19 games last year. A move to Inter could speed his path to the senior team. Croatia has strong defenders like Josko Gvardiol. Mlacić aims to follow that.
No official word from the clubs yet. But sources say it is close. Fabrizio Romano broke the story first. He posted about the agreement sealed. Fans on social media got excited. One said Inter build for the long run. Another worried about his experience level.
Inter’s boss Simone Inzaghi knows young players. He gave chances to others before. Mlacić fits the three-at-the-back system. He can carry the ball out. That suits modern football.
The transfer window opened two weeks ago. Deals like this happen quick. If medicals pass, papers get signed. Mlacić flies to Milan soon. Photos in the Inter shirt will follow.
Hajduk gets a sell-on clause maybe. That way they profit if he moves later. His market value sits at four million euros now. It could rise fast.
Croatian media covered it heavy. They say Hajduk turned down lower bids. Inter’s push won out. Mlacić grew up in Split. He supported Hajduk as a kid. Leaving home is big but Italy calls.
Inter fans remember other Croats like Marcelo Brozovic. He won titles there. Mlacić hopes for the same. The team chases the league again. Adding depth helps in cups too.
Nothing done until signed. But all signs point yes. Watch for news this week. If it goes through, Inter add another gem.
Mlacić trains hard. Videos show his skills. He tackles clean and starts attacks. At 18, time is on his side.
This deal shows Inter’s scout work. They spot talent early. Save money long term. Other clubs might regret not bidding higher.
Hajduk plays on without him soon. Their season goes well. Fans wish him luck. Inter wrap up soon. Then focus back on games. Big matches come up. New faces keep things fresh.
