The teenager will remain in Croatia for now, but will move to the Etihad next year
Manchester City have completed a deal for Hajduk Split midfielder, Ante Palaversa.
The 18-year-old completed a medical on Tuesday with the Premier League champions before putting pen to paper on a deal which will see him loaned back to Hajduk until the summer of 2020. City do, however, have the option to recall him next January.
Palaversa has played for Hajduk 14 times this season, scoring twice. He has also represented Croatia at youth level, with many in his homeland tipping him to make his senior debut for the national side this year.
“Thanks to Manchester City on the trust,” he said. “There is still a lot of work ahead for me and I have not yet shown all I can do. I hope to play for Hajduk to justify the great trust I received from England champions.”
Palaversa becomes City’s first signing of the January window. Despite talk of Pep Guardiola looking to add another defensive midfielder to his squad this month, it now appears City’s business could be done for this window.
While there has been little in the way of arrivals at The Etihad, promising youngsters Brahim Diaz and Rabbi Matondo have left for Real Madrid and Schalke respectively.
City will look to get back on track in the Premier League when they host Arsenal on Sunday, having fallen to a shock defeat at Newcastle on Tuesday night. Though Liverpool were unable to take full advantage of their loss, their draw at home to Leicester on Wednesday means they have extended their lead at the top of the table to five points.
