Beppe Marotta Confirms Leon Jakirovic Inter Talks As Dinamo Zagreb Chief Responds
Inter are leading the race for the signing of Leon Jakirovic from Dinamo Zagreb.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 21 January 2026
Inter president Beppe Marotta has publicly confirmed the club have made contact over Dinamo Zagreb youngster Leon Jakirovic.
Speculation linking Inter and Jakirovic has intensified in recent weeks, to the point that the player’s father has welcomed the prospective move.
Marotta spoke before Inter’s Champions League match with Arsenal, during a live Sky Sports segment alongside Dinamo president Zvonimir Boban.
The exchange turned into a light-hearted ‘negotiation’ on TV, but it also revealed that a real deal is being discussed.
Leon Jakirovic and what Inter chief Beppe Marotta actually said
Inter want Leon Jakirovic for their Under-23 set-up, and Beppe Marotta said he is optimistic of striking an agreement.
Marotta told Sky that Inter’s staff had made an enquiry and that he hoped talks with Dinamo could lead to a conclusion soon.
He also stressed the decision is Dinamo’s, saying Zvonimir Boban has the right to choose which offer to accept.
Marotta’s key message was that Inter are “very optimistic” and would be happy to bring the young defender into the club’s project.
“We know that Dinamo always has very interesting players,” said Marotta.
“I won’t deny that my collaborators have certainly conducted a survey, and so I hope we can reach a conclusion.
“Spero che con la Dinamo Zagabria si possa arrivare ad una conclusione per questo giovane calciatore. Il Presidente ha diritto di scegliere quale offerta accettare”#Marotta
“Ci vediamo domani Beppe”#Boban pic.twitter.com/ce1SzffdIu
— Alessandro (@90ordnasselA) January 20, 2026
“We would be happy to include this boy in our squad, and I’m also referring to the Under-23s.”
Marotta continued: “We’ve already signed Susic from Dinamo and we’re very happy with him.
“Obviously, the president has the right to decide what fee he wants to accept, but we’re very optimistic.”
Boban’s response was short but telling. Smiling, he replied: “We’ll talk tomorrow, Beppe”.
Leon Jakirovic, Inter and the numbers being reported
Reports suggest Inter have already had at least one offer rejected by Dinamo for Leon Jakirovic.
One update said the first bid was around €1.5m, while Dinamo’s expectations were higher due to other clubs watching.
Other reports have mentioned a possible deal worth roughly €2.5m plus bonuses and a sell-on clause, although nothing is confirmed.
That is why Boban’s “tomorrow” line mattered. It suggested both sides are close enough to keep talking, not walking away.
What happens next depends on the final structure. But Marotta has now confirmed Inter are trying, and Dinamo’s boss has not shut the door.
With Inter losing in Champions League action on Tuesday night, the signing of Jakirovic could perhaps provide a slight pick-me-up for the fans.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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