West Ham have reportedly tabled an offer in the region of £22m for Beskitas defender Domagoj Vida, with the Turkish outfit expected to demand nearer the £25m mark for their star defensive asset.
Vida, a finalist at the World Cup with Croatia, put in an impressive series of displays in Russia, and is a seasoned veteran at the back after time with Dinamo Zagreb, Dynamo Kyiv and most recently his one season spell in Turkey.
If the Hammers were to sign Vida, he could add some aerial dominance to their squad as he wins on average over two aerial duels a game at Besitkas. He was also able to show his attacking ability at the World Cup, with a towering header against Russia outlining his credentials as a goalscoring threat.
Despite already completing the signings of centre back duo Fabian Balbuena and Issa Diop, Pellegrini feels another addition is necessary, especially with the news of club vice-captain Winston Reid being injured for at least three months as he recovers from surgery.
For West Ham, on paper this transfer window has been remarkably promising, having signed seven new players and breaking their transfer record twice in the same window. It seems that West Ham fans prayers are finally being answered as the West Ham board are starting to spend the money that they promised before moving to the London Stadium.
If Vida was able to transfer his form he showed at the World Cup, then he could become a key player in the Pellegrini revolution at the London Stadium, as West Ham try to cement themselves amongst the Premier League’s elite with a true leap of faith in the extent of financial backing they have given their new manager.
Written by Henry Tomlinson.
