Inter close in on €5m deal for Dinamo Zagreb defender Jakirovic

Inter are closing in on the signing of highly rated Dinamo Zagreb defender Leon Jakirović, with the deal expected to be worth around €5m in total and medical tests scheduled in the coming days.

According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter are close to confirming the deal.

Born in January 2008 in Požega, Jakirović is one of the most promising defensive prospects to emerge from Croatia in recent years.

Football runs deep in the family: his father Sergej, a former professional player turned coach, handed him his senior debut at Dinamo while still just 16, fast-tracking his development in a way few players experience.

VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Piero Ausilio of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Verona and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 23, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Inter wrap up deal for Dinamo Zagreb starlet Jakirovic

Jakirović has consistently played above his age group, skipping traditional steps in the academy system and moving quickly from Under-17 to Under-19 level. He came to wider European attention in last season’s UEFA Youth League, memorably scoring twice against Barcelona in a dramatic knockout tie.

He also made his Champions League debut before turning 18, featuring in Dinamo’s win over Milan, a night that underlined his readiness for elite competition.

Primarily a central defender, Jakirović can also operate at right-back if needed. He stands over 1.90m tall, is dominant in the air, and already shows composure well beyond his years when building from the back.

UDINE, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Cristian Chivu, during the post-match press conference at the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Friuli on January 17, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

His passing range and comfort on the ball are seen as major strengths, fitting Inter’s long-term vision for defenders capable of initiating play.

Inter moved quickly to beat competition from several European clubs, including Barcelona, Napoli and Red Bull Salzburg. Dinamo president Zvonimir Boban has publicly endorsed the move, smoothing the path for negotiations.

Jakirović is expected to begin with Inter’s Under-23 side to adapt to Italian football, but there is quiet confidence inside the club that his rise to the senior squad may not take long at all.