Back in August, West Ham and David Moyes decided to let Nikola Vlasic join Torino on loan for the 2022/23 campaign.
The 24-year-old had struggled at the London Stadium since making a £25.7m move from CSKA Moscow in 2021, scoring just one goal in 31 appearances for the east Londoners.
However, Vlasic has rediscovered his best form over in Turin, with Italian media now singing his praises.
Nikola Vlasic thriving away from West Ham
In his first seven appearances in Serie A this season, the Croatia international scored three goals.
It has led to Italian news outlet Per Sempre Napoli describing him as the most exciting talent in Turin, which, if including the stars at Juventus as well, is quite the statement.
Vlasic is also called a crystalline talent in the article, as well as a player who possesses undoubted technical qualities.
It’s safe to say the Croatian is making quite the impact in Italy, although West Ham may not benefit from his excellent form having already negotiated a fixed purchase option.
West Ham set to lose millions on Nikola Vlasic
For some reason, the Hammers agreed a permanent purchase option for just £12.9m when shaking hands with Torino over the season-long loan deal.
Therefore, no matter how well Vlasic does between now and the end of the season, that is all West Ham will receive if Torino decide to trigger the clause.
For example, the Split-born forward could score 30 goals in all competitions and also become the star of the World Cup, taking his value up to £50m or beyond, but West Ham would be forced to honour the £12.9m agreement.
In our view, it was terrible business from West Ham to agree a fixed purchase option, and it could end up costing the Irons millions on their £25.7m investment.
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