Dinamo Zagreb’s price-tag means Mislav Orsic will not be joining West Bromwich Albion this summer, according to the Birmingham Mail.
Slaven Bilic is never shy in coming forward when discussing transfer targets and, not for the first time this year, the Baggies boss admitted that he had tried to lure his fellow Croatian to The Hawthorns.
Speaking to Index HR last month, Bilic said that he wanted to sign Orsic during the January transfer window and would be keen again if the price was right.
A deal would be ‘difficult’, he insisted, with an ongoing financial fall-out forcing clubs to keep a close eye on their finances.
The Birmingham Mail believe that Orsic is simply too expensive in this market with the deal a ‘non-starter’.
Index in July reported that West Brom were willing to offer £8.5 million for the speedy left winger. His 21 goals and ten assists fired Dinamo Zagreb to the Croatian title last season, and that is without mentioning that Champions League hat-trick against Atalanta.
Of course, West Brom have ended up paying around £20 million to sign Grady Diangana from West Ham, but the former Baggies loanee is a proven talent who earned Bilic’s trust during a stunning spell in the Championship.
Unsurprisingly, with funds at a premium, clubs this summer appear to be prioritizing the tried and trusted over big-money gambles.
“Orsic is a good player, of course he is a good player,” Bilic boss told the Birmingham Mail earlier this year.
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