Pundit questions why West Ham United would bring Nikola Vlasic back after
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie has questioned why West Ham would be interested in recalling Nikola Vlasic from his loan at Torino after he flopped last season.
The Croatia international joined the club in a deal worth around £25m in the summer of 2021, but flopped and failed to get any meaningful game time under David Moyes before joining the Serie A club on loan last summer.
But after shining in Italy, and with the Hammers struggling, there had been speculation that the club could recall him before the transfer deadline. However McAvennie doesn’t understand why, although he admitted it would only take one good game for him to get on the fan’s good side.
“He struggled big time, why would you bring him back?” he told West Ham Zone.
“Unless David has faith in him and wants to give him another try. It’s a funny game because if he comes back and has an outstanding game then that could change his fortunes, and all of a sudden he’s the top man playing every week.
“That’s how easy it is to change. The change in the boys’ mentality and everything. One good game could change that.
“If he’s going out there worrying about the crowd booing him or anything like that, what a difference it makes knowing that the crowd have got your back and are behind you.
“Football is strange. David will know if he can handle that.
“I felt for the boy because he was getting pelters. He wasn’t doing too well. I’d love to see him being the player that David Moyes thinks he is.
“So if he thinks he’s a good player I’d love to see it, but I’ve not seen it yet. I’m not going to argue with Moyesy.
“He’s brought some good players in, so he must think there’s something else to him if he wants to bring him back.
“I’ve not seen it yet though, so I wouldn’t want him back.”