Premier League side West Ham United have signed midfielder Nikola Vlasic from CSKA Moscow on a five-year deal.
The club’s official statement read: “West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Croatia international attacker Nikola Vlašić.
“The talented 23-year-old arrives on five-year deal for an undisclosed fee from Russian Premier League club CSKA Moscow.”
David Moyes had initially wanted to bring Jesse Lingard back from Manchester United but after having failed to secure a move, the Hammers went on and spent £25.7m plus some add-ons on Vlasic.
Would Jesse Lingard have been a safer signing than Nikola Vlasic?
Jesse Lingard had a stellar loan spell with West Ham United last season, scoring nine goals and providing four assists in 16 league matches.
And there’s no doubt, he would have been the ideal choice to slot in that attacking midfielder’s role.
But as per The Telegraph, Man United were quoting £30 million for the England international and the Hammers were not ready to spend that much money on the 28-year-old.
Now, there’s no doubt Nikola Vlasic is also a good player but his first stint in England was not that successful. He failed to score or assist even a single goal in 12 league matches.
Jesse Lingard, on the other hand, is a tried and tested midfielder, not only in the EPL but also at the club.
Yes, spending £30 million on a 28-year-old would have been a bit too much but the Man United midfielder would have made an instant impact whereas, with Vlasic, it’s nothing short of a gamble.
Last season, the 23-year-old scored 11 goals in 26 league games for CSKA meaning if he can find his rhythm in the England top division then he is going to be a long-term player for West Ham United.
