After Fiorentina invested €36 million in new center-backs, the Croatian international's status has become uncertain. Milan's interest is purely informational for now, but the situation could change quickly.
Marin Pongračić (28) could change clubs this summer and continue his career at Milan. According to Italian media reports from Tuttomercato and Tuttomercatoweb, the Rossoneri have been inquiring about the availability of the Croatian defender, who has lost his status at Fiorentina following major changes in the defensive line.
While Pongračić was with the national team at the World Cup, coach Fabio Grosso received two significant reinforcements. Radu Dragusin and Giovanni Viery arrived in defense, and the total investment in the duo could reach as much as €36 million, provided Fiorentina activates the buy option for the Romanian defender. Meanwhile, Comuzzo left the club.
The Croatian international thus found himself in an unenviable position upon returning to Florence. Pongračić, who was a starter at the World Cup, did not participate in preparations with his new teammates due to national team duties, putting him at a disadvantage. The new players had the opportunity to train with the squad and solidify their status with the coach, while Pongračić "practically arrived to find the cards already dealt," as sources suggest. According to the current hierarchy, he could start the season on the bench.
In this context, Milan's interest has emerged. Coach Ruben Amorim wants to further strengthen the defense, and Pongračić's name has appeared on the list of potential signings. For now, only informational talks have been held, without concrete negotiations. However, the situation could accelerate if the Croatian defender concludes that he won't get the desired playing time in Florence and requests a departure.
If the transfer were to actually happen, Pongračić would become a teammate of national team captain Luka Modrić at San Siro. The two Croatian internationals, with Pongračić having been a starter at the World Cup, could now share a dressing room in club football as well.
Meanwhile, another Croatian international made his mark on the football weekend. Ivan Perišić, the national team's vice-captain, recorded an assist for PSV in a 2-2 draw against Fortuna Sittard in the first round of the new season. The news was also confirmed by the Croatian Football Federation on its official profiles.
