Inter Milan and Como engaged in a market battle for two highly-rated Croatian midfielders, Petar Sucic and Martin Baturina, during the winter transfer window of 2025, with both players now flourishing at their respective Italian clubs, Gazzetta reported.
The two clubs, who are preparing to face each other on the pitch this Sunday, found themselves on the same scouting ground in pursuit of talent from Dinamo Zagabria. The paths of the two young players, both born in 2003, diverged after initial talks, leading to successful careers at Inter and Como, respectively.
The Market Crossroads in Zagabria
The story of this transfer saga begins in the winter of 2025, when Inter and Como both targeted promising midfielders from the Croatian club. Dinamo Zagabria was the common source, and the two Italian clubs were competing for the same players, setting the stage for a market duel that would have lasting consequences for both teams.
According to Como’s president, Suwarso, the Como club’s primary objective was initially Sucic. The club had reached an agreement with Dinamo for the player, described as a classic number 8. However, the deal fell through due to excessive commission demands from the agents involved.
We were looking for a number 8, we reached an agreement with Dinamo but the agents’ commissions were too high and so we moved to an operation we found more interesting: that’s how Martin arrived, who has more offensive characteristics.
Como President Suwarso, as reported by Gazzetta
Zazoom.it corroborated this account, reporting that Como had indeed reached an agreement for Sucic but the deal stalled because the agents’ fees were nearly equivalent to the transfer price itself, forcing the club to pivot to another target.
Divergent Paths: Sucic to Inter, Baturina to Como
While Como was pursuing Sucic, Inter was also monitoring both players. The Nerazzurri managed to secure Sucic, reportedly closing a deal for 14 million euros plus 2 million in bonuses. Sucic has since entered the graces of Chivu.
Como, having been blocked in its pursuit of Sucic, turned its attention to Baturina. The Como club was more successful in its pursuit of the second Croatian talent, offering a deal worth 18 million euros plus 7 million in bonuses, a package that was enough to beat international competition for his signature.
Both moves have proven to be successes. As Gazzetta noted, “Neither club has any regrets.” Sucic has flourished at Inter, while Baturina has become a “diamond” for Fabregas.
On-Field Success and National Team Impact
Both players have quickly made their mark in Serie A and for the Croatian national team. Sucic, in particular, decided the Coppa Italia semi-final of the last season, scoring a goal against the very team that had pursued him, Como—a twist of fate noted by Gazzetta.
At the international level, both players represented Croatia at the World Cup and contributed with a goal each. Sucic had a goal against Portugal controversially ruled out for a marginal offside, a decision that has been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts.
The two young midfielders have also developed a close friendship. Their respective training grounds are only a 20-minute drive apart, leading to frequent meetings and walks together, a detail that adds a personal dimension to their parallel careers in Italy.
Financial and Sporting Gains for Both Clubs
The transfer deals have yielded benefits for both Inter and Como in terms of player valuation. According to Gazzetta, both players would already command higher transfer fees than what was initially paid if they were to be sold, indicating that both clubs secured valuable assets for the future.
What’s Next: The Inter-Como Showdown
The transfer saga between the two clubs will culminate on the field this Sunday when Inter hosts Como.
The outcome of this match could have implications for the Serie A standings.
Answers About the Transfers
- Who did Inter and Como target from Dinamo Zagabria?
- Both clubs targeted two young Croatian midfielders, Petar Sucic and Martin Baturina, during the winter transfer window of 2025.
- Why did Como’s deal for Sucic fall through?
- The deal collapsed due to prohibitively high commission demands from the players’ agents, as confirmed by Como President Suwarso.
- How much did Inter and Como pay for their respective signings?
- Inter signed Sucic for 14 million euros plus 2 million in bonuses. Como signed Baturina for 18 million euros plus 7 million in bonuses.
- How have the players performed since their transfers?
- Both players have been successful; Sucic has become a key player for Inter, while Baturina has emerged as a star for Como under Fabregas. Both also contributed to Croatia’s World Cup campaign.
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