Rokas Pukstas: Man City & Chelsea target signs new Hajduk Split deal

Rokas Pukstas will remain with Croatian side Hajduk Split through June 2027 after signing a new long-term contract.

The 19-year-old has chosen to remain in Croatia to continue his development despite mounting interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs.

Sources close to 90min have confirmed that Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle were among the teams keen to tempt the American teenager with a move to the Premier League, while Lyon, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, Inter and Roma also expressed an interest.

Pukstas arrived at Hadjuk in 2020 but didn't make his first-team debut until two years later. Since breaking through, he has impressed hugely and has recorded seven goals and three assists across 34 appearances in all competitions.

“Rokas arrived at our Academy in 2020 through talent scouting, and since then he has made great progress in all segments of the football game," a statement from Hajduk sporting director Mindaugas Nikoličius said.

"He has exceptional qualities and that is the reason why we joined him to the first team already in the spring of 2022. He is a member of the Under-20 USA National Team and the Under-23 USA Olympic National Team."

"According to all indicators, this is a very high-quality and still developing and very promising young player. The profile of a central and offensive midfielder who shows a penchant for scoring goals is modern. With him, a significant progression in the quality of the game is visible, and the process of adaptation to the senior level was short due to his playing and mental characteristics."

Pukstas, who also earned ten goal contributions while featuring for Hadjuk's Under-19s in the UEFA Youth League, said: “It is a great feeling to extend the contract with this great club. I am glad that my family is here with me today, this is really a great honor.

“I’m happy about the new contract, but now it’s time to continue working and focus on our goals this season. The goal of all of us is to win the championship and we will do our best to do it.”

Pukstas' successful breakthrough has seen him make 14 appearances for the United States' Under-20s, scoring two goals.

READ THE LATEST NEWS FROM 90MIN'S TALKING TRANSFERS TEAM