TuttoSport, via Sport Witness, first reported a major January move from Leeds United, pursuing Como’s midfield star Martin Baturina. The Italian outlet confirmed the club offered €30m plus bonuses for a permanent transfer.
Leeds United Denied: Como Rejects €30 m Bid for Croatian Sensation Baturina
This move showed Leeds really meant business, but despite their intent, Como turned down the offer right away. Cesc Fabregas, the Como manager, had already brushed off talk about the West Yorkshire club and his player. Even so, the reports aren’t going away.
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The same outlet added more to the story today. They found out that Fiorentina also tried to sign the Croatian international before Leeds stepped in. The Viola asked for a loan deal with an obligation to buy. But the Serie A side said no to them, too. Fabregas sees the midfielder as a player he just can’t lose. That’s especially true since Nico Paz is widely expected to return to Real Madrid this summer.
The One That Got Away: A Blow for Farke?
COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 24: Martin Baturina of Como 1907 celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Torino FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on January 24, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
This rejection puts Daniel Farke in a tough spot. The Premier League is hitting its most important stage right now. At just 22, Baturina is already a regular for the Croatia national team. He has the kind of technical skill that Leeds really lack. You can see why his price tag is so high.
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Highlighting his impact, Baturina has already grabbed four goals and three assists in 2026. He stepped up as the primary playmaker while teammate Assane Diao remains sidelined for the season. Fabregas clearly trusts Baturina completely. He has started him in four straight league games.
For Leeds United, the midfield gets the job done but lacks that bit of magic. Farke relies mostly on Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev. This hard-working duo keeps the backline safe. Ao Tanaka brings plenty of energy, and Facundo Buonanotte shows bits of brilliance on loan.
Still, the squad doesn’t have a permanent, top-tier number 10. They need someone who can control the game in the final third. The Whites needed Baturina to break down teams that sit back and defend deep. This inability to unlock low blocks is a major reason they’ve already drawn eight games this season.
Given all this, missing out on the Croatian is a major setback for the bosses at Elland Road. Baturina’s value is shooting up because of how well he’s playing in Serie A. Because of that, Leeds might have missed their last chance to get him within their budget.
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Farke now has to get the very best out of Brenden Aaronson. He also has to hope Buonanotte stays fit to keep them in the Premier League. The club have to find other options with a similar vision. If they don’t, they might run out of ideas during the final stretch of the season.
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