Dharmesh Sheth has claimed that West Ham United transfer target, Filip Kostic, ‘likes and respects’ the Premier League club.
The Sky reporter added that it’s his understanding that Kostic is still ‘undecided’ as to whether he will leave Eintracht Frankfurt this summer given West Ham’s interest.
At 29, Kostic has the chance to play Champions League football next season at his current club, after they won the Europa League last time out, which included wins over West Ham and Rangers.
A move to West Ham would mean Europa Conference League football, instead of the Champions League, but it would also mean playing in the Premier League.
The versatile wide man, who can play as a wing-back or winger, has a big call to make, as Sheth shared his thoughts on West Ham’s interest in the player, as he told Sky Sports.
“We went into this window thinking West Ham want a minimum of six players,” said Sheth. “We know they have a bid on the table for Kostic for around £12.5 million, including add-ons.
“It’s my understanding that Kostic likes West Ham. He respects West Ham. But he remains undecided on whether he is going to join or not.
“That’s because there are a couple of factors that are in play here. He is 29-years-old. He is well aware that the next contract he signs will be the last big one he signs in his career.
“Also, he has Champions League football guaranteed next season. Eintracht Frankfurt won the Europa League, partly at the expense of West Ham by beating them in the semi-finals.
“But what’s not in Frankfurt’s favour is that he is in the last year of his contract, so do they cash in on the player now?”
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE OR PREMIER LEAGUE?
From a financial perspective, it’s obvious that West Ham could offer Kostic more than what Frankfurt could put on the table for the player.
The Serbia international has 12 months left on his contract and the German club need to make a call on whether to sell him or not.
But, from the player’s perspective, the lure of West Ham seems to be tempting, but so does staying in his current surroundings where he won a trophy last time out.
Does he stay to play Champions League football or does he head to the London Stadium, to still be in Europe, but most importantly, to play in what is being dubbed as the best league in the world?
Either way, Kostic needs to make the right move that suits him best, and after signing Gianluca Scamacca, the Hammers will be pretty confident that they can possibly get this deal done.
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