Vladimir Putin could cost West Ham £1million after Russia’s bloody invasion of Ukraine

On Dec 30, 2022

Mad Vladimir Putin’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine could end up costing West Ham a chunky £1million.

That is according to the BBC, who report that the Hammers are due the fee as part of a sell-on arrangement involving winger Sead Haksabanovic.

Haksabanovic joined the east Londoners from Swedish minnows Halmstads in 2017 and spent three years at the London Stadium, making just two first-team appearances. After a short spell on loan at Malaga, the 23-year-old joined Swedish club IFK Norrkoping, initially on loan before making the move permanent in 2020.

From there he joined Russian side Rubin Kazan, only for his contract to be ripped up in March following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

Haksabanovic is now back in the UK with Scottish champions Celtic, where he has scored three goals and provided one assist in 13 Scottish Premiership appearances. However, West Ham are reportedly still owed a £1million sell-on fee from IFK Norrkoping, which should come via Rubin Kazan.

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Vladimir Putin is continuing with his barbaric war on Ukraine
(Image: SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)

But the continuing war in Ukraine and the feasibility of getting any money out of the Russian club have left the Hammers hierarchy fearing they will have to write-off the sum.

Money may well be a concern for the Irons next month as they look to edge themselves away from the Premier League relegation zone. Moyes’ side are a point and a place above the dreaded dotted line after a nightmare start to the season which has seen them lose 10 of their 16 games.

Sead Haksabanovic now plays for Celtic
(Image: PA)

Despite their precarious position near the foot of the table, Moyes remains upbeat about his own position. “I’ve got great support from David Sullivan,” he said before Friday night’s match against Brentford.

Adding: “The owners here are pretty strong. They are hoping I can get it right and giving me every opportunity to do that, which I appreciate.”