Filip Kostic could take home around £120,000-a-week at West Ham United with the Premier League outfit submitting a £13 million bid for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Europa League winner, as reported by the Frankfurter Rundschau.
Kostic, to quote Natalie Imbruglia, has been left feeling a little ‘torn’ about whether or not to accept West Ham’s proposal, per Sky Sports.
At the age of 29, one of Europe’s most underrated footballers may never get a better chance to embark upon a new adventure on English soil. Kostic will celebrate his 30th birthday in November. He’s entering ‘last big contract’ territory.
On the other hand, if he leaves the Commerzbank Arena for the London Stadium, he’ll be turning his back on Champions League football. Frankfurt reserved a seat at Europe’s top table after breaking Rangers hearts in Seville. The Hammers, meanwhile, will have to be content with Thursday nights in the Conference League instead.
And the prospect of a substantial pay-rise in the English capital makes Kostic’s decision even more difficult. According to the Frankfurter Rundschau, the Serbia international would more than double his current pay packet at West Ham. The Premier League outfit are reportedly offering a £120,000-a-week deal; One that would make him their joint-best paid player, with Kurt Zouma.
Will Filip Kostic accept West Ham’s offer?
Frankfurt certainly won’t stand in Kostic’s way. Not with less than 12 months remaining on his contract. The Eagles are holding out for around £18 million, however, having rejected West Ham’s initial £13 million bid.
Reports suggesting Kostic has agreed personal terms with West Ham are, however, wide of the mark. FR add that such claims have been greeted with ‘some astonishment’ at Frankfurt.
“I signed Filip at Stuttgart,” former Frankfurt director Fredi Bobic tells the Bundesliga’s official website of a left-footed left-winger who’s buccaneering style of play is reminiscent of a young Gareth Bale.
“He showcased his extraordinary qualities there, and then at Hamburg. He’s a quiet and reserved guy, works very hard in training and puts in extra running shifts. He’s a top professional.”
Only Lionel Messi and Thomas Muller have provided more assists than Kostic since 2018. His tally of 44 puts him joint-third, level with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jadon Sancho.
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