Man City ‘hijack’ transfer for talented teenager linked with Milan, Barcelona & Real Madrid

Manchester City have reportedly ‘hijacked’ a deal to sign talented Partizan Belgrade youngster Matija Popovic on a free transfer, according to reports.

The 17-year-old has attracted interest from several of Europe’s top clubs and it was recently reported that he was on the verge of signing for AC Milan on a free. However, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed Popovic could be on his way to the Etihad instead.

“Manchester City are trying to hijack deal to sign Serbian 2006 born talent Matija Popović as free agent, talks ongoing,” the Italian wrote on X. “Popović was at Man City game in Belgrade last week. AC Milan, in talks to sign Popović since October but nothing been signed/sealed yet.”

Meanwhile, fellow journalist Matteo Moretto also claimed via X that City have ‘swooped’ for Popovic, adding that complications surrounding his lack of EU citizenship may hold up the a move to Milan. “In the meantime, Manchester City is trying to get involved seriously and negotiations are underway between the parties,” he wrote.

Popovic has also attracted interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, as per Spanish outlet Sport. 

The 6ft 4in midfielder is yet to make his competitive debut for Partizan, but has excelled for their youth side and has managed 21 goals in 25 appearances for the under-17s. He has also been caped at underage level for Serbia, but was born in Germany. Popovic’s contract expires on 31 December, meaning he could be a free agent at the start of 2024.