Nerazzurri Secure €5m+ Deal for 18-Year-Old Centre-Back as Long-Term Defensive Investment.

Branimir Mlacić Inter Milan

Inter Milan are on the verge of completing a smart January signing, reaching a full agreement with Hajduk Split for highly-rated teenage centre-back Branimir Mlacić. The deal is valued at over €5 million as a total package, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the clubs have sealed terms and only final player-side steps remain before medicals are scheduled in the coming days.

The 18-year-old (born March 12, 2007), standing at an imposing 1.92m (6ft 4in), has emerged as one of Europe’s top young defensive prospects. Inter, under sporting director Beppe Marotta, see him as a long-term solution to refresh their backline, especially with veterans like Stefan de Vrij and Francesco Acerbi nearing the end of their time at the club.

Mlacić joined Hajduk’s youth system in 2018 and made his senior debut in July 2025 in the UEFA Conference League. Despite his young age, he has already established himself as a regular starter in the Croatian top flight, known for his strength in aerial duels, calmness on the ball, and modern defender qualities — perfect for Simone Inzaghi’s back-three system.

Inter plan to let the youngster remain on loan at Hajduk Split until the end of the season to continue his development and gain more experience before integrating him into the first team or U23 setup.

This move highlights Inter’s strategy of investing in high-potential youth at affordable prices, beating competition from clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and others who have tracked the prodigy.

Another powerful view of Mlacić winning an aerial duel and organizing the defense:

With the agreement in place, all eyes are on the upcoming medicals and official announcement. This could be another gem in Inter’s recruitment history.