Manchester City scouted winger Stipe Biuk as Hajduk Split beat HNK Gorica at the weekend and could have a chance to sign the teenage talent this summer, according to Germanijak.
The Citizens returned to Croatia to watch Biuk as he started the Prva HNL encounter at the SRC Velika Gorica. Biuk has opened all three of his league appearances so far this season, and featured as a substitute against Tobol Kostanay in the Europa Conference League.
Biuk is yet to score or assist this term, but offered three of each over 11 outings last season after breaking into the first-team. He also assisted against Spain in the quarter-final of the U21 European Championship on his U21 international debut in March.
Manchester City have monitored Biuk’s rise at Hajduk Split for some time and are aware he possesses a rare talent. The 18-year-old is ice-cool under pressure, brave with his runs and a strong scorer, to become the Whites’ prized asset.
Manchester City may have a window to sign Biuk, too, as Germanijak add Hajduk must find the money lost from failing to progress in Europe. Jens Gustafsson’s side bowed out of the Europa Conference League in the second-round qualifiers to Tobol Kostanay last month.
Hajduk desperately needed the extra cash flow from a European tour, after the pandemic hit their finances hard. Split will likely now have to sell to balance the books, with Biuk their best option for a significant fee.
Several scouts from around the world are monitoring the teen, who has been the subject of a host of enquiries. Hajduk President Luksa Jakobusic has so far rebuffed any approach for Biuk, deeming the winger – certain to be their record sale – worth more than €20m (£17m).
Should Manchester City sign Hajduk Split star Biuk?
Hajduk Split’s financial difficulties offer Manchester City a window to sign Biuk this summer and snap up a sought-after prospect. But spending more than £17m on the 18-year-old will be a risk, given he has only played 15 first-team fixtures.
Biuk’s stock is no doubt on the rise, and he showed plenty of promise toward the end of last season, thugh. The forward only made his senior debut in March but ended the term with eight starts, three goals and three assists.
Pep Guardiola may feel he can mould Biuk with a move to Manchester City after regular scouting missions. Although any move would like be followed with a loan so he will play regularly and hone his trade.
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