Branimir Mlačić is among the players who might temporarily leave Udinese due to a surplus of defenders at the club. The 19-year-old Croatian centre-back could be loaned out after the expected summer sales of other defenders did not occur. It was reportedly a possibility that he would join Inter before he moved to Udine. Watford, an English club that is also under the control of the Pozzo family, is named as a potential destination.
A loan to the Championship club would be for the purpose of providing Mlačić with regular playing time to continue his development. Udinese considers him an important player for the future, having paid Hajduk €4.5 million for him in February. The club would view the loan as a strategic step in his career and does not intend to part with him permanently. Mlačić has been capped three times for Croatia's U21 side and made seven Serie A appearances for Udinese last season. His contract with the club is valid until 2031, and his market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €5.00m.
