Manchester City have completed the deadline day transfer of Hajduk Split midfielder, Ante Palaversa for a reported £7m fee.
The 18-year-old has been loaned back to the Croatian outfit with the rest of the season for whom he has made 17 appearances this season and has scored 2 goals.
Palaversa is a highly regarded prospect making his way into the City ranks. He has captained the Croatian U19 side with 11 appearances made at that international level. The teenager can appear from various midfield positions which is perfect for Pep Guardiola’s future needs at the Etihad Stadium.
The Spaniard has missed out on signing Frenkie de Jong this January with the Ajax midfielder making the £66m switch to Barcelona instead. City are in dire need of a long-term replacement for Fernandinho, who is currently 33 but is still an integral part of the club’s operations.
When the Brazilian was sidelined with an injury this season, City lost back to back games against Crystal Palace and Leicester City last December.
Palaversa understandably still needs to develop further but has all the tools to succeed in Guardiola’s set up. After finalising the deal, the midfielder said, “I’m Hajduk’s saying, playing at the Poljud was always my dream, and after all, I’m happy to see the work of the Hajduk Academy recognized one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
“Thanks to Manchester City on the trust, there is still a lot of work ahead for me, I have not yet shown all I can and I hope to play for Hajduk to justify the great trust I received from England champions.”
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