£29M man wants to leave West Ham
One of the more bizarre Hammers transfer stories involves the lesser spotted Nikola Vlasic. Because according to The Athletic, the Croat has informed David Moyes he wishes to leave West Ham.
The reason I find the situation strange is because the player has acted in a manner suggesting he’s left already. Vlasic played in the Nations League final for Croatia on June 18th so was omitted from the Aussie tour.
It is unknown whether Vlasic reported for medicals at Rush Green ahead of the current pre-season. However it is clear that his heart has been set on a move for some time. I’m just unsure why any of this would be news to Moyes.
The attacking midfielder signed in August 2021 from CSKA Moscow, but the transfer has been a disaster. I have a large dollop of sympathy for the player who was never truly given a chance under Moyes.
Quite why such a large transfer was signed off is anyone’s guess. Clearly the manager didn’t want him so who’s idea was it?
Vlasic spent last season on loan to Torino in Serie A. He began the campaign strongly, had a dip in form then improved again. The Italian side had an option to buy the player permanently for £13m, but have attempted to renegotiate
Whilst West Ham surely know that they’ll not recoup the transfer outlay, removing his wages would be beneficial. However, Torino’s attempts to persuade us to subsidise part of his wage is too cheeky.
The Hammers need to remove the wages completely for the transfer to make economic sense. UEFA are breathing down our necks with FFP checks, so Torino need to pay up or shut up.
I’m not entirely sure how Vlasic chatting with Moyes will help.
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Peter Grant says only English Premier League side Manchester United can match the pressures at Celtic following David Moyes’ comments.
The West Ham United coach defended what seemed to be an indirect disrespect towards Scottish football and Celtic after he was asked about pressure at Tottenham Hotspur.
Those were words echoed by Bhoys hero Grant, who after working as an assistant in the Premier League for the likes of Aston Villa and West Ham United, stated that he was “glad” someone of the stature of Moyes spoke up, as he told Go Radio.
The Scottish Premiership might not have the bright lights or the millions of millions that the English Premier League generates, but it certainly has two of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Perhaps if Celtic and Rangers had that sort of money, then they would be able to stick their chests out a lot more, as Grant shared his thoughts.
“I have always said it, and I am glad someone of David’s [Moyes] quality has come out and said that because I was fortunate to manage down there,” said Grant.
“I was fortunate to be an assistant in the Premier League for many years. The pressure that is on Celtic and Rangers. Probably Manchester United is the only club that plays under that pressure.
“I am glad someone like David is saying it because he has managed at the top level for a hell of a long time and been exceptional.”
It will never happen, but it has always been spoken about. Perhaps this is the only way fans outside of Scotland can understand the heat and pressure that is put on Glasgow’s biggest two.
It would be something if Celtic received the money the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal, to name a few, get on a yearly basis.
Not only would they be able to attract the biggest of stars, but their chances of winning in Europe would also increase.
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