Newcastle fans will love what Luka Modric has said about 'phenomenal' potential signing
Newcastle fans should be excited about their pursuit of Inter midfielder Petar Sucic after Luka Modric offered some glowing praise of his talents last year.
Sucic has emerged onto the Magpies' radar as they make several enforced changes in midfield this summer.
Bruno Guimaraes' uncertain future has seen Newcastle continually linked with more midfield stars despite already signing Aladji Bamba and Sean Steur following Sandro Tonali's exit.
Joe Willock has also been mooted to move on, with reports from Italy claiming that Newcastle are ready to offer up to £34million for Sucic alongside interest from Leeds.
He featured regularly in his debut season at Inter as they lifted the Serie A title and won the Coppa Italia.
The 22-year-old has also starred for Croatia over the last two years, building a close relationship with one of the greatest midfielders ever in Modric.
Luka Modric has backed Petar Sucic to surpass him for Croatia
Sucic registered nine goal contributions in 53 appearances for Inter last season, coming up against Modric twice as AC Milan won both derby clashes 1-0.
Modric spoke about his compatriot's move to the same city before they faced off in September 2025, and heaped praise on his current ability and potential to be a top player in the future.
He said: "My generation achieved incredible results, but there are young players like him who could reach even higher heights. He’s a very strong player and a great guy. We’ve already played together before, and he’s shown his qualities. It’s no coincidence that he’s signed for a top club like Inter. You will certainly get to know him a bit better and see his talent.
“He can still improve, I enjoy playing with him and I hope that he always continues to improve, even if we will face each other in the derby soon, we will see how he treats me. Let’s hope he respects me and doesn’t go too quickly, but for the moment, I’m enjoying playing with him.”
The pair have shared the field 18 times at international level since Sucic's Croatia debut in September 2024, and started three games together as they reached the round of 32 stage at the World Cup.
Modric again spoke highly of Sucic after his second international strike opened the scoring in their Group L win against Ghana, saying: "He put in a phenomenal performance, proving to be the present, not just the future, of the national team. Credit to him for what he’s been doing since he joined the team. May he continue like this.”
Sources have told Football Insider that Newcastle are ramping up their plans to make several signings before August, with the midfielder possibly set to arrive on Tyneside soon.
What do the stats suggest are Sucic's strengths and weaknesses?
Sucic may only be 22, but he clearly has the potential to be a key man for his country and in a top European league for the rest of his career.
Aside from statistics at club level, he has set the records for the most distance covered and the quickest sprint speed of any Croatia player ever in the last 18 months.
He started 21 games and featured for 1765 Serie A minutes last season, with particularly standout stats for successful pass rate (89.3 per cent), chances created per 90 (1.48) and aerial duels won (57.1 per cent), when compared to other midfielders in the league.
Sucic's dribble success rate (42.9 per cent), times dispossessed per 90 (1.17) and defensive contributions per 90 (3.82) did leave a lot to be desired, and will need to be worked on if he joins Newcastle soon.