Manchester City are now in talks to sign Serbian wonderkid Matija Popovic on a free transfer – with AC Milan at risk of losing out.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano.
So, what is the situation involving Manchester City and Matija Popovic? Let’s take a look…
Manchester City want Matija Popovic
Well, this has come out of the blue – to say the least.
AC Milan looked to have secured Popovic’s signature as the 17-year-old prepares to leave Partizan on a free transfer, having been in negotiations since October.
Now – however – Romano believes Manchester City have made a late decision to hijack the deal, with Txiki Begiristain in talks to sign the teenage prodigy.
The reliable Italian journalist wrote on X (previously known as Twitter): “Manchester City are trying to hijack deal to sign Serbian 2006 born talent Matija Popovic as free agent, talks ongoing. Popovic was at Man City game in Belgrade last week. AC Milan, in talks to sign Popovic since October but nothing been signed/sealed yet.”
The Serbia Under-17 international scored 20 goals and provided five assists in just 24 Kadetska Liga appearances during the 2022/23 campaign.
Who is Matija Popovic?
Make no mistake about it – Manchester City could be about to sign a truly special talent.
Popovic has been called a unicorn by SCOUTED – a term used to describe a seriously rare player who possesses a unique skillset.
Standing at 6ft 4in – which in itself is remarkable for someone aged just 17 – the Serbian is also described by the Guardian as being “not quite like any player you’ve ever seen” as he combines his height with the dribbling skills of someone a foot shorter.
The Guardian – while justifying Popovic’s inclusion in their coveted Next Generation list – add that he plays similarly to Michu, the Swansea icon who Erling Haaland idolises.
To emphasise just how many strings there are to the Altötting-born prospect’s bow, he is also compared to the powerful box-to-box midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Aleksandr Mitrovic, so there is a real blend to his abilities.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Manchester City attempt to hijack AC Milan’s deal.
