Inter Milan are eyeing a promising investment to address an immediate need in their defence. With Tajon Buchanan sidelined for an extended period, necessitating the use of Carlos Augusto as an alternative to Dimarco on the left flank, Inter are in search of a left-footed central defender.
According to Calciomercato, after dismissing the less future-oriented options of Hermoso and Ricardo Rodriguez, Inter’s financial backers, Oaktree, have authorized a maximum expenditure of around €10 million for a younger prospect. One name currently being considered by sporting director Piero Ausilio is Mauro Perkovic, a 2003-born defender from Dinamo Zagreb.
Inter and Atalanta Leading the Chase
Perkovic has shown considerable promise since his early days. He began his career with Pula and later NK Istra, making his Croatian top-flight debut in January 2021. He amassed 50 appearances and scored three goals before transferring to Dinamo Zagreb in February 2023. Since joining Dinamo, Perkovic has played 41 matches across domestic and European competitions, including seven appearances in the UEFA Conference League, where he scored twice. On the international stage, he has been a mainstay for Croatia’s U-19 and U-21 teams, participating in the U-21 European Championship last year. Interestingly, his brother Toni is a professional basketball player in Croatia.
Versatile Defender
Perkovic is a central defender who can also operate as a left-back, making him a suitable fit for Simone Inzaghi’s three-man defensive line at Inter. Known for his aggressiveness and anticipation, Perkovic is accustomed to playing with a high defensive line. At Inter, he would serve as an alternative to Alessandro Bastoni, with Carlos Augusto being the primary option to replace Dimarco on the left wing. Perkovic’s contract with Dinamo Zagreb runs until January 2028, and his market value is estimated at around €7 million.
