Inter Beat Barcelona In Race For Defender As Father Confirms Deal On Social Media
Leon Jakirovic is on his way to Inter despite Barcelona being interested too.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 19 January 2026
Inter have beaten Barcelona in the race for Dinamo Zagreb defender Leon Jakirovic, according to multiple reports.
The Croatia youth international has been linked with several top clubs over the past few months, with AC Milan also in the picture.
Barcelona emerged as suitors for Jakirovic more recently, but Inter appear to have secured the 18-year-old’s signature.
Indeed, the player’s father has suggested on social media that his son is heading to the San Siro.
‘Here we go’ on Leon Jakirovic to Inter as Sergej Jakirovic posts ‘Sempre Forza Inter’
Fabrizio Romano reported “here we go” on the Leon Jakirovic deal on Monday night.
The Italian transfer insider claimed that Dinamo Zagreb have accepted Inter’s offer and paperwork is being prepared.
Romano also reported the package is worth €2.5m plus €2m in add-ons, with a sell-on clause also in the agreement.
Furthermore, the transfer expert later claimed that Jakirovic will begin life at Inter with the Under-23s.
Leon Jakirović will start joining Inter U23 team with view to future switch to first team after +€2,5m deal agreed. ⤵️🇭🇷 https://t.co/Sb1cux3yx7
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 19, 2026
Jakirovic is the son of Sergej Jakirovic, a former Bosnia & Herzegovina international who now manages English club Hull City.
He shared Romano’s “here we go” post on his Instagram story, along with the caption “Sempre Forza Inter” (“Go Inter Always”).
🇭🇷📲 Sergej Jakirović, father of Leon Jakirović, on Instagram! pic.twitter.com/DXob7zSiR7
— Inter Xtra (@Inter_Xtra) January 19, 2026
Leon Jakirovic profile and why Inter are signing him
Jakirovic is a tall, left-footed centre-back from Dinamo Zagreb’s academy, and he has already gained experience above youth level in Croatia.
He has made four senior appearances so far, including a Champions League debut against AC Milan that pushed him into the spotlight.
That early taste of elite football is one reason scouts believe he can handle pressure, even at a club as demanding as Inter.
Inter’s transfer approach is also shifting. They are placing more emphasis on signing and developing young players than in recent seasons.
With Inter looking to revamp their defensive ranks, Jakirovic certainly fits the bill.
Inter continue Dinamo Zagreb transfer tradition
Inter have a particular eye for the talent that comes through Dinamo Zagreb.
Over the years, the Nerazzurri have signed several players from the Croatian club, often with great results.
The latest is Petar Sucic, who has already started to make an impact with Inter’s first team.
Before him came midfielders Niko Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic, two deals that proved important over time.
This move has also been helped by Inter’s strong relationship with Jakirovic’s representatives, who also work with Sucic.
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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