According to CalcioMercato, West Ham United can “have another go” at signing Udinese midfielder Lazar Samardzic.
The Italian publication said on September 28 that the Hammers tried unsuccessfully to sign the 21-year-old throughout the summer after a botched transfer to Inter Milan but may rekindle their interest in January.
Samardzic was supposed to transfer to the Champions League finalists for £19 million, but Udinese are now open to hearing proposals provided the price is reasonable for the Serbian international.
Samardzic is undoubtedly a highly-regarded young player, with clubs like Inter Milan expressing interest this summer. After the Hammers unsuccessfully attempted to capitalize on the deal’s failure, West Ham ended the summer with an influx of excellent midfield options, all of which have made an immediate impact at the London Stadium.
This raises the question of whether West Ham requires a second midfielder. Most likely not, and the Hammers leadership would probably be hesitant to invest any more money in this position after an expensive summer window.
In spite of Udinese’s shaky start to the season, Samardzic has contributed significantly to the Serie A team’s meager success. The youthful attacking midfielder has been one of the better players among a terrible group, as evidenced by his point-earning goal against Salernitana and late consolation goal against Napoli.
His fundamental statistics clearly demonstrate his quality. Samardzic has an extraordinary skill for his age or any age, as seen by his FBRef averages of 0.22 non-penalty goals per 90 (93rd percentile), 4.87 shot-creating actions per 90 (99rd percentile), and 1.77 successful take-ons per 90 (95rd percentile).
With this transfer, only time will tell, but the Hammers’ strong start to the season does not suggest any problems in the middle of the park. However, if there is money to be spent, it could go in less desirable directions than such a potential choice.
