The Croatian defender recently switched to Ramadani, throwing the deal that seemed all but done with the Nerazzurri back into doubt: Udinese, Como, and top European clubs are also in the mix

Just a few days ago, Branimir Mlacic was packing his bags for a move that wasn’t particularly long in terms of distance, but certainly in terms of time. From Split to Milan to settle down. And to wear—who knows for how long—the Nerazzurri jersey. The deal was done and dusted between Inter and Hajduk; the player was convinced and happy. Today, everything has changed. What could have happened? What is certain is that the Croatian defender, born in 2007, has taken not one, but a dozen steps backward. The first step was a change of agent: Mlacic has entrusted himself to Ramadani. Then he considered the possibility of choosing a different destination than Inter Milan, perhaps wanting to avoid the move Inter would have had him make to the Under-23 team—also to acclimate a bit to a world quite different from Croatian soccer. Finally, other offers likely came in: Como and Udinese are closely monitoring him (and would sign him immediately), while in the background, the watchful eyes of many major European clubs (Dortmund, Real Madrid, Newcastle) remain. One thing is certain, however: Mlacic has chosen to leave Inter. Where he’s headed? It’s too early to say.