Simone Zaza is halfway to triggering West Ham United’s whopping £25 million obligation to buy him from Juventus but the player has admitted he’s struggling.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic speaks with Simone Zaza
If Simone Zaza can’t get into a West Ham side that is not scoring freely and where his three rivals for a starting spot are injured or not fully fit then it doesn’t bode well.
The Italian striker was a substitute yet again in the 2-0 defeat to Everton last time out with winger Michail Antonio preferred up front.
But coming on as a sub Zaza clocked up another appearance as he reached seven games, halfway to activating the 14-game obligation to buy clause for an eye-watering £25 million from Serie A giants Juventus.
Dejected: Zaza
While pundits and fans alike have seen for themselves that Zaza is struggling to adapt to life in the Premier League, now the player himself has admitted as much in an interview with the club’s official website.
“Well, the game is much more physical here and there is less emphasis on tactics,” Zaza told whufc.com.
“The game is non-stop for the whole 90 minutes.
“I knew that when I arrived it would be hard, because it’s a completely different league, but I didn’t think it would be this different.”
Everton’s Ashley Williams roughs up Zaza
While Zaza went on to say he felt more comfortable in recent weeks, his lack of game time in the club’s two games since suggests that manager Slaven Bilic does not trust the player.
And it is understandable, after all Zaza has not even come close to a goal with over a quarter of the season gone.
Perhaps a parting of the ways is best for all parties?
Reports in the likes of the Express emerged this week that West Ham were sounding out AC Milan to potentially take on the 25-year-old’s loan deal so they could pursue other targets in January.
Perhaps that would be best for all parties as it would be inconceivable that the Hammers could potentially pay out a club record £25m to sign a striker who has already proved a flop.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
