After a standout role at the World Cup, Marin Pongračić has returned to Fiorentina to find a completely new hierarchy. Italian media report he's now just a backup, with Milan also entering the picture.
Marin Pongračić (28) was one of the pleasant surprises for the Croatian national team at the recent World Cup. Although he didn't play in the opening match against England, where Luka Vušković (18) got the nod, after the 4-2 defeat, then-coach Zlatko Dalić turned to a more experienced solution. Pongračić stepped into the starting lineup and didn't miss a single minute for the rest of the tournament.
One would expect that his status as a regular international at the world's biggest sporting event would solidify his position at his club. However, returning to Florence painted a completely different picture. As reported by Italian outlet Tuttomercato, Pongračić made himself available to new coach Fabio Grossi a few days ago, but found a significantly reshaped squad.
While the Croatian defender was representing the Vatreni in America, Fiorentina brought in two significant additions to their defensive line during the summer, Radu Drăgușin and Viery. Activating the buyout clause for the Romanian international would raise the total investment in the center-back positions to a whopping €36 million.
It's this very fact that puts Pongračić in an unenviable position. Tuttomercato vividly describes his situation:
"Because of this, the Croatian today gives the impression of a guest who arrived late to the party due to force majeure, only to find that the cake has already been distributed. The World Cup is, therefore, a prestigious international showcase, but it also risks forcing him to chase after his teammates, who have had enough time to establish their own hierarchies within the dressing room. The feeling, at least for now, is that Pongračić is destined to be a backup, behind the new arrivals."
According to the same source, Fiorentina currently has no plans for additional incoming or outgoing transfers in the back line. Nevertheless, if a good offer comes in, all players are for sale, including Pongračić. This is where Milan steps in, a club looking for an experienced center-back to deepen their squad under new coach Ruben Amorim. The Rossoneri have reportedly already made inquiries about the Croatian international.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the story is the fact that Luka Modrić has extended his commitment to Milan for another year. The experienced midfielder could play a key role in convincing the management that his national teammate is the right solution to the club's defensive woes. It remains to be seen whether Pongračić will manage to earn playing time under Grossi or seek a new challenge.
While Pongračić's future hangs in the balance, another Croatian international is off to a good start this season. Vice-captain Ivan Perišić recorded an assist in PSV's first league match, which ended in a 2-2 draw against Fortuna Sittard. The news was confirmed on the official HNS Twitter profile by photographer Drago Sopta.
