West Ham boss reveals he wanted Lanzini last season at Besiktas

West Ham recently completed the signing of Argentinian midfielder Lanzini as reported by the BBC.

Hammers boss Slaven Bilic revealed that he had wanted to sign Lanzini while he was manager of Beşiktaş as well.

“He was very young, about 20 years of age, when they gave him the No.10 shirt at River Plate, which is a massive club,” Bilic was quoted as saying by the Daily Star.

“I watched him two years ago and I wanted to take him to Besiktas, but it was difficult then.

“He will add even more creativity in the crucial parts of the pitch.

“I am confident he can adapt to life in England.

“He’s not very strong but he rises to challenges, so I hope he could be a big one for us.

“In fact, I have a feeling that he will help us a lot.”

The Black Eagles came close to signing the 22-year-old midfielder last season but the deal fell through.

The young midfielder has joined West Ham on a season-long deal, with an option to make it permanent, from UAE Arabian Gulf League club Al-Jazira.

Lanzini passed his medical at Spire Roding Hospital, West Ham United’s official private hospital.

Bilic was manager of Beşiktaş last season and guided the Black Eagles to a third-place finish despite being in the title race until the final weeks.

The Croatian national team head coach also progressed to the quarter-finals of the Europa League as Beşiktaş manager.

The Istanbul giants are now coached by former Turkish national team manager Şenol Güneş.