Nikola Vlasic only joined West Ham United in August, yet the Croatian could reconsider his future at the club with David Moyes eying a transfer for Brentford star Christian Eriksen.
The Irons moved to acquire Vlasic on deadline day last summer after failing to re-sign Jesse Lingard following his loan. The Manchester United playmaker was a sensation over his five months in claret-and-blue, hitting nine goals and five assists in 16 Premier League outings.
Moyes has not seen anything of the kind from Vlasic, who joined the Hammers from CSKA Moscow for £27m. The 24-year-old could cost a further £7.5m in add-ons, as well, yet has so far offered one goal and two assists over 29 outings in all competitions under the Scot.
Just one of Vlasic’s goal involvements – scoring at Watford on December 28 – also came in a Premier League fixture. Moyes has additionally only started the 35-cap Croat in five top-flight fixtures. Of those opening calls, just one has come over his last six outings from 10.
Vlasic hoped scoring at Vicarage Road would serve as the springboard for his career at the London Stadium. He told the Evening Standard afterwards: “It is an unbelievable feeling, a relief after three months of struggling. The first one is always the hardest.”
But his situation and form has not improved, and Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic also told Index over the March international break: “He is ready if he needs to go on loan from West Ham just to play and to come to the World Cup in the right form.”
Nikola Vlasic may question West Ham future with Moyes eying Christian Eriksen
Vlasic may need a loan move, too, as his place in Moyes’ side seems under threat as 90min now report West Ham are looking into offering Eriksen a contract to join in a free transfer, having only penned a short-term deal to join Brentford during the recent January window.
The Bees are hopeful of keeping the Denmark maestro beyond the season, but Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Everton, Fulham, Tottenham, Newcastle and the Hammers are also mulling moves. He also has interest from abroad, but would prefer to stay in the Premier League.
Eriksen is not demanding a six-figure salary, either, but will want his stature reflected in a contract. And Moyes handing the 30-year-old – who has one goal and one assist over five games for Brentford – one will raise questions over Vlasic’s West Ham future next season.
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