Nikola Milenkovic’s transfer saga with West Ham United fell through during the summer transfer window, as the Premier League club shrugged off the Serbian center-back to sign Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma.
The deal was all but done as both Fiorentina and West Ham had agreed terms for the transfer to take place and it was only the personal terms of agreement between the player and the club pending.
Spurs and West Ham are both now unlikely to sign defender Nikola Milenkovic from Fiorentina
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 18, 2021
The details were also confirmed by Sky Sports but only few moments later Milenkovic signed a contract extension with La Viola until 2023.
Official and confirmed. Nikola Milenkovic has extended his contract with Fiorentina until June 2023 after West Ham deal collapsed. ?? #transfers
Tottenham were not preparing any bid to sign Milenkovic – it was only one of many options. No Pau Torres too. https://t.co/GeofRM66BG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 19, 2021
In the latest episode of Fabrizio Romano’s ‘Here We Go’ podcast, the transfer market expert has revealed details of the broken down negotiations between the two clubs.
“It was one of the craziest deals of the summer, in my opinion because it was really done – Milenkovic to West Ham. Then they decided to sign Kurt Zouma. It was at the final stages,” he said.
Apparently, West Ham manager David Moyes played key role for the negotiations to come to a halt.
He added: “West Ham changed their mind with David Moyes and the board at the last minute. it’s really crazy how in football sometimes they can change their minds.”
Most recently Fiorentina CEO Joe Barone said the club displayed will and strength to keep two of their most cherished young Serbian players in Dusan Vlahovic and Nikola Milenkovic – barring any kind of move to the Premier League.