Barcelona and Real Madrid have made it a point to keep an eye out for the best young talent across the globe so as to sign them and build superstars for the future within the club.
The two teams battled for the likes of Pablo Torre, Endrick, and Arda Guler in the recent past and are now interested in another teenage wonderkid in Estevao Willian of Palmeiras.
Other names like Guilherme Ruck, Florian Wirtz, and Matija Popovic are also on the radars of both Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Popovic set for AC Milan
Of the aforementioned names, though, Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to miss out on the signing of Matija Popovic, with the 17-year-old reportedly bound for AC Milan in January.
Indeed, as per a report from GianlucaDiMarzio.com, Popovic will be leaving Partizan Belgrade when his contract expires later this month and will sign for Milan as a free agent, with an agreement understood to be in place.
Popovic has been with Partizan for over two years now and enjoyed a fine run with their Under-17 side, bagging 21 goals in 25 games.
A versatile player who can slot in as a winger, attacking midfielder, or striker, the teenager had a falling out with Partizan last summer due to his reluctance to sign a new contract and has not kicked a ball this season.
Agreement in place with Milan
Now, with his contract expiring on December 31, 2023, he was set to be available for free in January, which had piqued the interest of Barcelona and Real Madrid among other clubs.
In fact, the report adds that the Blaugrana had also tried a blitz by sending emissaries to Belgrade to close the deal, but to no avail.
Despite the interest from two of the biggest clubs in Europe, Popovic is now bound for AC Milan, with a contract agreement already reached.
The attacker will arrive in Italy after he turns 18, on January 8, to complete his medical and sign the contract which will run until the summer of 2028.
