Sead Haksabanovic impressed for Premier League outfit West Ham United in pre-season but Manuel Pellegrini sent him to Malaga
Sead Haksabanovic certainly turned heads in pre-season for West Ham United.
The Montenegrin international failed to make a single Premier League appearance in his debut season last year since his £2.7 million move from Halmstad. But, after starring over the summer, many West Ham fans were hoping that the 19-year-old would be handed his chance to impress by Manuel Pellegrini.
But the veteran Chilean obviously believed that Haksabanovic was better off elsewhere. According to Marca, Pellegrini was the driving force behind the attacker joining his former club Malaga on loan.
Not that the teenager has made the impact West Ham would have hoped for in the Spanish second tier. Haksabanovic has not been included in a single match-day squad since moving to Malaga.
And, according to El Desmarque, Haksabanovic has rejected the chance to link up with Montenegro over the international break in order to win over Malaga manager Juan Muniz – a decision that has impressed the 49-year-old.
“Everyone likes to play for the (international team). He has taken a step forward in his adaptation,” Muniz said.
Malaga have impressed in the absence of Haksabanovic, however, sitting top of Spain’s second tier with six victories out of eight. So why change a winning formula?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
