Cesc Fabregas has unknowingly 'prepared Martin Baturina for Tottenham move'
Roberto De Zerbi would be key to Martin Baturina's success at Tottenham Hotspur, Tottenham News has exclusively been told.
The 23-year-old has been widely linked with a potential move to Tottenham this summer, having starred in Serie A last season.
Joining Como from Dinamo Zagreb last summer, Baturina scored eight times and provided four assists in 34 total appearances for the Italians in 2025-26.
Having joined Dinamo Zagreb as a youngster, the Swiss-born attacking midfielder played 165 times for the Croatian giants, and has also been capped 23 times by Croatia at senior international level.
Tottenham have already made a number of additions to their midfield department this summer, so it remains to be seen whether Baturina is firmly in their transfer plans.
Should he indeed be on Spurs' to-sign list, then the Lilywhites have been given some very encouraging testimony about what kind of player, and human being, they would be acquiring.
How Martin Baturina could flourish for Tottenham revealed
Tottenham News has discussed De Zerbi's ability to get the best out of his players, and that was made evident during Spurs' Premier League run-in for survival last term.
The Italian found ways to get more out of certain previously underperforming players, and the level at which he's been backed in the market so far this summer shows the confidence that's behind him at boardroom level.
And, Croatian football correspondent Daniela Rogulj, who has been featured on platforms such as CNN, the BBC and talkSPORT respectively, has exclusively told Tottenham News why De Zerbi would be able to get the best out of Baturina in N17.
"On paper, it makes a lot of sense (Baturina to Tottenham)," she said. "De Zerbi likes his teams to build patiently and progress the ball through midfielders who can receive under pressure and turn defence into attack in one motion.
"His time under Cesc Fabregas at Como, another coach with a similar possession-based philosophy, should have prepared him well for that kind of system.
"The question isn't really whether he fits De Zerbi's style, because I think he clearly does, but it's more about where he fits into that Tottenham midfield specifically, given the players already there and the money being spent elsewhere this summer.
"If Spurs are serious about building an attacking, possession-heavy side under De Zerbi, Baturina is the profile of player who could genuinely elevate that project.
"I wouldn't rule out him succeeding elsewhere too, but the tactical alignment with De Zerbi is one of the stronger arguments for this move in particular."
So, Tottenham have been given the green light on signing Baturina from a tactical fit perspective, but does he tick the all important character box as well?
What are the three words that sum up Baturina best?
Still just 23, Baturina is an ascending young talent who remains a number of years away from hitting his prime.
Despite that, he's already racked up plenty of experience in senior football, and has just played four games at the World Cup for Croatia, including scoring a fantastic goal against England in their 4-2 defeat to the Three Lions.
His talent and potential doesn't appear to ever have been in doubt, and Rogulj has also waxed lyrical over his character and mindset too.
"Humble, motivated, hardworking," she said to describe Baturina in three words. "You saw all three on full display at this World Cup.
"To make his tournament debut at this stage of his career and have the impact he did within this Croatia squad was genuinely impressive. And he did it without ever seeking the spotlight.
"He kept his head down, put in the work, and let his performances on the pitch do the talking rather than his words off it.
"In an era where a lot of young players chase attention, there's something refreshing — and honestly, easy to respect, about a player who lets his football speak for him."
It doesn't sound like Tottenham would have anything to really worry about if they sign Baturina this summer then, as he would have an ideal coach in De Zerbi to maximise his talent, and isn't described as the sort to get caught up in his own hype.