In a recent report, Gazzetta Dello Sport claimed that West Ham United want to recruit Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. It has been mentioned that the Hammers are eyeing a move to acquire the services of the Serbian talent.
Milinkovic-Savic’s Decent Form In Italian Football
Milinkovic-Savic has proven himself to be a reliable performer at the centre of the park for Lazio during this campaign. The 28-year-old has found the back of the net eight times and earned eight assists in 38 appearances for the Italian club this season across various competitions.
The Spain-born talent has given a good account of himself by averaging 1.6 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 1.2 clearances, 1.6 shots, 1.4 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per 90 minutes in Serie A. He has even distributed the ball relatively well after making 76.6% of his attempted passes in the Italian top-flight (stats via whoscored).
Milinkovic-Savic’s current deal at the Italian club is set to run out in the summer of 2024. Therefore, the Hammers have a good chance of signing him on the cheap later this year.
What Will Milinkovic-Savic Add To West Ham United Boss David Moyes’ Team?
Milinkovic-Savic is a good tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to secure the ball back for his side at the centre of the park. He usually comes back to clear the danger when needed and can create some inviting chances for others around him in the final third.
The Serbian midfield ace can strike the ball with power and accuracy from long range and is a good dribbler with the ball as well.
We can expect Milinkovic-Savic to add more quality to West Ham head coach David Moyes‘ midfield department. He would even increase competition for places within the East London club‘s squad.
At 28, Milinkovic-Savic is currently playing in his prime and would make an instant impact at the London Stadium if West Ham can successfully devise a way to land him during this summer transfer window.
However, he is yet to prove his worth at the highest level and might struggle to adapt to the physical nature and high intensity of English football. Still, the pros outweigh the cons of recruiting him, so West Ham should focus on bringing him on board this summer.
