Crystal Palace, West Ham and Newcastle United are keen on Daniil Fomin but former Dynamo Moscow director Roman Oreshchuk fears he could struggle in the Premier League, speaking to Sports RU.
You only have to look to the London Stadium to realise that, even for some of the biggest talents in Russian football, adapting to life on English shores is no easy task.
Last summer, West Ham brought in two Moscow-based stars.
But, during Saturday’s fortunate FA Cup triumph over non-league Kidderminster Harriers, both Nikola Vlasic and Alex Kral looked out of their depth against a side who share a division with Darlington, Farsley Celtic and Curzon Ashton.
Kral, who’s played just one minute of top-flight football in West Ham colours, was hauled off at the break.
Of course, just because the poodle-haired enforcer has failed to meet the grade, that does not mean Fomin is destined to be a disaster in England too. But the warning signs may be difficult to ignore.
“Daniil is a good footballer. No one argues (about that). But, considering the style of play and intensity, the Spanish league (La Liga) is better for him,” says Oreschuk.
“It will be hard for him in England. There, all 90 minutes of the match, you need to maintain a crazy pace. If his agent can find him a club in Spain, then why not?”
Should West Ham and Newcastle be wary about Daniil Fomin?
West Ham and Newcastle were linked with Fomin during the January transfer window, via Sport Express.
A talented attacking midfielder with a Frank Lampard-esque penchant for perfectly-timed runs into the penalty area, the Russia international has seven goals from 19 games this season.
Fomin’s agent admits that Crystal Palace remain interested in the £4 million-rated playmaker.
A January move to Selhurst Park was ‘impossible’, however, due to the complexities involved when signing a player from Russian football.
“Fomin is somewhat similar to Kral,” Oreschuk adds. “But where is he now? He sits on the bench.
“Without speed and intensity, it will be difficult for (Fomin) in the Premier League.”
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