For any side which is financially not amongst the list of elites, the inherent demerit of putting on stellar performances is the likelihood of their key players being lured away. One of the latest success stories to burst forward in the European stage is that of Gent.
The Belgian Pro League outfit outclassed top-quality Premier League outfit in the shape of Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League round of 32 as they crawled to the last sixteen at the expense of the Lilywhites. Gent defeated Spurs 1-0 at the Ghelamco Arena and then drew 2-2 at Wembley, thus pulling off a 3-2 win on aggregate.
One of the latest names to have fallen under the radar of the Premier League sharks is that of Gent goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic. The 26-year-old was signed from Hadjuk Split in the January transfer window and he took very little time to establish himself as the no. 1 goalkeeper under the tutelage of Hein Vanhaezebrouck.
His outstanding performances between the sticks have been really eye-catching and no wonder why the likes of Everton, West Ham United and Southampton are queuing up to acquire his services in the summer transfer window.
However, it is important that the Hammers hit the right chords in the summer owing to the apparent lack of consistency in their goalkeeping slot. Slaven Bilic is a long-time admirer of the Croatian international and despite having Darren Randolph and Adrian in his ranks, he does need an upgrade over them in order to ink themselves as a prospective candidate for the top four berths.
The East London-based side have leaked 44 goals so far this term and this hasn’t helped their cause in any manner whatsoever and no wonder why Bilic has put his fellow countryman in his wish list.
The West Ham United gaffer is in dire need of quality and for sure, Kalinic is one. With a huge 6’7” frame, the Croatian gets a default advantage while dealing with the crosses as well as the set-pieces. He commands the line like a gladiator, instructs his defence with confidence and distributes the ball well too.
Further, his reflexes are inhuman as he has, time and again, pulled off punches and finger-tip saves to save his side’s grace. The gloveman would himself want to ply his trade in a much more lucrative league and owing to his shot-stopping prowess, West Ham United United should leave no stone unturned to sign this proven goalkeeper.
