Manchester City are now favourites to sign Matija Popovic ahead of AC Milan after making an offer to the Serbian.
That is according to Calciomercato.
So, what is the latest on Matija Popovic and Manchester City? Let’s take a look…
Matija Popovic update
Well, Fabrizio Romano revealed on Wednesday that Manchester City had made a late attempt to hijack AC Milan’s negotiations to sign the 17-year-old wonderkid, after he travelled to watch the recent 3-2 win over Red Star Belgrade.
The treble winners appear to have made solid progress with this hijack, as Calciomercato in Italy now believe Pep Guardiola’s side are favourites to sign Popovic.
It is said that AC Milan thought they had wrapped up a deal for the teenager as he prepares to leave Partizan on a free transfer at the start of January.
However, Manchester City are said to have ‘forcefully’ entered the discussion and made an official offer to Popovic, with AC Milan now in serious danger of losing out.
Calciomercato add that the Citizens are still in talks with Popovic – and it remains to be seen whether AC Milan make a late attempt to salvage the deal.
Manchester City fans should be excited by Matija Popovic
It can often be difficult to get excited by teenage signings, as fans know it may be a while until we see them in the first team – especially at Manchester City, where there is world class talent in every position.
However, supporters should be very excited by Popovic if a deal gets done in January – he has the talent to become a senior option very quickly.
The Serbia Under-17 international impressively scored 20 goals and provided five assists in just 24 appearances in the 2022/23 campaign, which is a remarkable return for the physical 6ft 4in prodigy.
Popovic was supposed to link up with the Partizan first team this season, but the contract dispute which means he is leaving for nothing in January changed that situation.
Popovic’s size might lead fans to think he is closer to an Andy Carroll type striker than anything.
However – according to the Guardian, who named him in their prestigious Next Generation list – his dribbling and first touch are exceptional, and his profile is an extremely rare one. He is also said to have plenty of pace.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Manchester City attempt to shove AC Milan aside.
