Insider ExWHUemployee has claimed West Ham United could sign Dejan Lovren and get him in the team for the Europa League.
Due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, FIFA has opened a one-month transfer window to sign players from Ukraine and Russia which closes on 7th April. With Lovren currently playing his football with Zenit St Petersburg, he becomes one of those individuals who could make a quick exit.
For now, it does not look as though the Premier League will allow players to join English clubs and take part in the competition before the end of the season, but Ex has outlined why a West Ham move could potentially still be on the cards for the centre-back.
Speaking on The West Ham Way podcast, Ex said: “Dejan Lovren is someone we’ve been linked with as well.
“Because of this new rule that the league introduced where you might be able to sign players that are based in Russia or Ukraine – foreign players that are based in Russia and any player in Ukraine.
“But the Premier League have said that any players that are signed during this window will not be able to be registered for the Premier League, because it’s not a fair situation.
“They have a transfer window at the start of the season for a reason. If a club can suddenly bring in four new players towards the end of the season, it defeats what the competition boundaries were set out at the start.
“So Dejan Lovren, we could sign, I think he could play the Europa League, but I’m not sure. I’ve sent a message to one of my main men on this and I’m waiting for a reply.”
TIF thoughts on Dejan Lovren and West Ham…
Considering the east London club are currently in the midst of a hugely important Europa League run, it’s easy to understand why they could be tempted in making a move for Lovren.
West Ham have been drawn against Lyon in the quarter-final stage of the competition and should they ease past the French club, they will have to overcome either Barcelona or Eintracht Frankfurt in the semi-final.
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Considering Lovren has won the Champions League, he probably could bring plenty to the table for these matches with his notable experience in Europe.
It does seem as though UEFA would allow the player to be added to the Hammers squad if they can sort a deal before 1st April.
With that in mind, it will certainly be interesting to see if they do opt to step up their interest in the coming 24 hours or so.
In other news: ‘I get the impression…’ – Ex claims WHUFC duo now ‘almost certain to go’ in big GSB decision