Juventus Tried To Sign Croatia Starlet From Dinamo Zagreb Before Inter Milan Swoop | OneFootball

Inter Milan are closing in on the signing of Leon Jakirovic, but the Croatian defender’s move to Italy could have taken place much earlier, and to Juventus instead.

According to FcInterNews, the Bianconeri made an attempt to sign Jakirovic from Dinamo Zagreb last season.

Juventus reportedly submitted an offer worth around €1.5m.

Dinamo rejected the proposal, opting to keep hold of the youngster and integrate him into the first-team setup.

Jakirovic, who has only just turned 18, remained in Zagreb for another year as Dinamo assessed his development internally.

Inter Pounce On Dinamo Zagreb Youngster Jakirovic After Failed Juventus Effort

FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 22: Piero Ausilio of FCInternazionale looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Stadio Artemio Franchi on October 22, 2022 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Inter, however, had been monitoring the defender for some time and decided this was the right moment to act.

The move has been strongly backed by the Nerazzurri hierarchy, with the club convinced Jakirovic can add quality and depth to their Under-23 project.

Inter view the investment as a strategic one, aimed at strengthening the pathway between youth football and the senior squad.

From the player’s perspective, the timing also made sense.

Opportunities at first-team level in Zagreb had become limited.

Therefore, Jakirovic pushed for a transfer in January to secure regular minutes and continue his progression.

Juventus’ earlier interest underlines the regard in which the defender is held.

However, it is Inter who have now moved decisively.