Inter Nears Mlacić Deal As Sunderland Hijacks Ta Bi Transfer

The January 2026 transfer window continues to deliver drama and intrigue across Europe, as two headline-making deals have taken center stage in Italy and the United Kingdom. With Inter Milan closing in on a promising Croatian defender and Sunderland pulling off a sensational hijack of a deal for an Ivorian winger, football fans are treated to a whirlwind of negotiations, last-minute twists, and plenty of speculation about what these moves mean for the clubs involved.

Let’s start in Milan, where Inter are on the verge of tying up one of the most talked-about defensive signings of the window. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Inter have entered the “final stages” of negotiations to sign 18-year-old Branimir Mlacić from Croatian side Hajduk Split. The deal, which has been brewing for weeks, is now reportedly close to completion, with only minor details left to iron out between the Nerazzurri and the player’s representatives.

Mlacić has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Hajduk, notching up 18 senior appearances and providing two assists from the back line. His performances have not only caught the eye of scouts across Europe but also earned him a debut with the Croatia U21 national team—an impressive feat for someone still in his teens. The two clubs are said to have agreed on a permanent transfer fee of €5 million, a significant investment for a player of Mlacić’s age but one that speaks volumes about his potential.

Inter’s strategy for integrating Mlacić appears to be a cautious one. While the defender is set to move to the iconic Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, he is expected to initially feature for the club’s U23 squad, which competes in Italy’s third-tier Serie C. This measured approach allows the youngster to acclimate to Italian football and life in Milan, while also giving him the chance to earn his stripes before making the jump to the first team, currently coached by Cristian Chivu. Chivu, himself a former standout defender, could prove to be the perfect mentor for Mlacić as he navigates the next stage of his career.

Over in the United Kingdom, the transfer saga surrounding Ivorian winger Jocelin Ta Bi has taken a dramatic turn. What started as a seemingly straightforward move to Celtic has ended with the player signing for Sunderland in a classic case of transfer window hijinks. Once again, Fabrizio Romano was first to break the news, reporting that Sunderland have agreed a £3.5 million deal with Israeli club Hapoel Petah Tikva for Ta Bi’s services, with the winger penning a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light.

The story behind Ta Bi’s transfer is as tangled as any soap opera. Celtic had reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Hapoel Petah Tikva and the player, and Ta Bi himself was quoted as saying the deal was done for him to join the Scottish giants. However, things quickly unraveled. Ta Bi was carrying an ankle injury that, at first, was expected to sideline him for just two weeks. That prognosis soon worsened, with Celtic’s medical team believing the winger would require surgery—casting doubt on the wisdom of pushing the move over the line.

With Celtic’s interest cooling, Sunderland swooped in. The Black Cats, eager to bolster their attacking options, moved quickly to agree terms with both club and player, leaving Celtic fans frustrated and pundits questioning the club’s transfer strategy. Some, like Conall McGinty writing for The Celtic Star, were critical of Celtic’s dealings with Hapoel Petah Tikva in the first place, citing controversy over the Israeli club’s owner and his links to the Israeli military. The failed transfer has prompted fresh debate about the club’s approach to recruitment and the influence of external factors on decision-making.

Adding another layer to the drama, Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has reportedly rejected several proposed signings during the January window. This has led to speculation about the balance of power between the club’s board and the manager, and whether O’Neill is determined to avoid what some fans call “project signings” or “punts”—players brought in more for their potential resale value than their immediate impact on the team. Fans will no doubt be watching closely to see how this philosophy plays out as the window progresses.

For Sunderland, the acquisition of Ta Bi is a significant coup. The Ivorian winger, still just 21, has been tipped for big things and now has the chance to test himself in English football. It’s a move that reflects the ambitions of a club eager to climb the ranks and perhaps challenge for a return to the Premier League. As for Ta Bi, joining a Championship side with a storied history and passionate fanbase could be the perfect launchpad for his European career. Many African players dream of making their mark in England, and Ta Bi now has that opportunity firmly in his grasp.

Meanwhile, back in Milan, Inter fans are already buzzing about what Mlacić might bring to the club. With 18 senior appearances under his belt and experience at the U21 international level, he arrives with more pedigree than most players his age. The hope is that he can follow in the footsteps of other Croatian defenders who have thrived in Serie A, adapting quickly to the tactical demands and physicality of Italian football. The guidance of Cristian Chivu, known for his defensive acumen and leadership, could prove invaluable as Mlacić makes the transition from promising prospect to first-team regular.

Both transfers highlight the unpredictable nature of the January window, where deals can collapse or be hijacked at the last moment, and where clubs must balance ambition with prudence. For Celtic, the Ta Bi saga serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of relying on verbal agreements and the importance of thorough due diligence—especially when injuries and off-field controversies are in play. For Inter, the Mlacić signing represents a calculated bet on youth and potential, with a clear pathway set out for the player’s development.

As the window edges toward its close, all eyes will be on how these new arrivals settle in—and whether there are more twists and turns still to come. For now, the excitement of the transfer market shows no signs of slowing down, and football fans everywhere are left to wonder: who will be the next big name to make a move?