Croatian wonderkid Dino Klapija has chosen to join RB Leipzig instead of Manchester United and Arsenal. The teenage forward, who was previously linked with both Premier League clubs, has agreed to a £4.8 million deal with the Bundesliga outfit.
The Daily Mail reports that Klapija’s family chose Leipzig because they offered the best pathway into the first-team. The deal also includes a 10% sell-on clause for Kustosija.
Arsenal had shown interest in Klapija and even offered to relocate his family to London as part of a potential deal. However, it seems Leipzig’s offer was more appealing.
Klapija, who turned 17 on Friday, was born in the USA and started his career in New York City’s academy. He later moved to Croatia, joining Dinamo Zagreb before eventually ending up at Kustosija.
The young talent is eligible to represent both the USA and Croatia, with the latter having previously capped him at the under-17 level. He was also included in the USA’s preliminary squad for last year’s under-17 World Cup in Indonesia.
Overall, Klapija’s decision to join RB Leipzig is a blow to both Manchester United and Arsenal, who were hoping to secure his services. However, Leipzig’s offer and pathway to the first-team proved too enticing for the young forward and his family.
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