As the summer transfer window opens and West Ham United assess their options following Declan Rice’s departure, it’s time for David Sullivan and David Moyes to get to work, relays the COS. The Hammers have just under four weeks to bring in reinforcements and build on their successes from last season, where they won the Europa Conference League final and secured Premier League safety.
While the financial implications of Financial Fair Play remain uncertain, replacing their former captain is a priority for West Ham, even if other significant moves may be challenging to make in this window. One potential avenue for the club to free up wages and generate funds for new signings is through player sales.
According to reports from The Athletic, one player has expressed his desire to leave the club. Nikola Vlasic, who arrived at West Ham in August 2021 for a fee of £25.7 million from CSKA Moscow, has failed to make an impact. With only one goal in 31 appearances, it seems unlikely that the club would stand in his way should he seek an exit.
Vlasic’s loan spell at Serie A’s Torino, which included an option to buy, did not result in the Italian club contacting West Ham within the required period. Consequently, the agreed-upon €13 million/£11.1 million purchase option is no longer valid.
Given the limited room for Vlasic in West Ham’s squad, the club may need to cut their losses and consider parting ways with the underperforming player. This decision could provide an opportunity for the Hammers to move on and focus on strengthening other areas of the team.
The coming weeks will be crucial for West Ham as they navigate the challenges of the transfer market and seek to bolster their squad. The departure of Declan Rice has left a void that needs to be filled, and resolving the situation with Vlasic could be the first step in shaping the team for the upcoming season.