Nikola Vlasic stays at West Ham United until new man signed, yet to move for Keane Lewis-Potter
Nikola Vlasic could leave West Ham this summer but will not be allowed to go unless incoming signings are made, according to The Athletic.
The Croatian had a season to forget in East London following his £26.8million move from CSKA Moscow last summer, scoring a single goal from 31 appearances, only one of which spanned the full 90 minutes.
Torino are thought to be at the front of the queue for the winger [Tutto Mercato Web], but he apparently isn’t going anywhere without a replacement coming in, a prominent example being Hull City’s Keane Lewis-Potter.
ExWHUemployee said on Patreon on 9 May that the youngster was the “main” target for the club in the wide areas this window, and then suggested on 7 June that the Hammers may be one of the three unnamed clubs who have reportedly already made a bid.
However, it appears that is not so far the case as there is currently little movement on that front, which has a knock-on effect for Vlasic.
Roshane Thomas writes in The Athletic: “Despite Lewis-Potter, 21, being a promising prospect, West Ham have yet to seriously pursue him.”
On Vlasic he adds: “A loan move, or even sale, could be on the cards if a forward in the mould of Lewis-Potter arrives. The Croatia international will not leave before additions are made.”
One by one
It seems to make perfect sense to move for Lewis-Potter considering the success of the last signing from the Tigers in that position, Jarrod Bowen.
Perhaps the assumption that the younger man would be able to emulate the new England international makes a move for him seem more likely than it actually is.
But considering his age and profile the under-21 international does seem like someone who should be in the club’s sights, and if three bids are already in they aren’t going to have the luxury of time before getting involved.
Striker and left back are David Moyes’ priorities, and it has been widely reported that the focus currently has moved to Chelsea’s Armando Broja to address one of those.
But Lewis-Potter could be unavailable if the Irons don’t submit a bid there, and it might block the exit for Vlasic to miss out.
The 24-year-old has been disappointing at the London Stadium and it would be a disappointment to see the club give up on him already.
If Moyes doesn’t see a role for him though it is worthless to everyone for him to sit on the bench, so as there appears to be a market for his services it would be more beneficial to get some return for him.
With 12 goals and four assists in the 2021/22 season, albeit in the Championship, suggests the young Hull City man would have a greater output if he could be brought in as replacement.