Nikola Vlasic completed his move to CSKA Moscow on Wednesday afternoon and some supporters aren’t happy with the news. Despite the 21-year-old struggling for form and playing time at Everton, Vlasic was highly regarded among many fans due to the flashes of talent he showed during his two years at Goodison Park.
The Croatian international contributed only three goals 19 games since joining Everton from Hadjuk Split in 2017, but he was outstanding during last season’s loan spell at CSKA – 15 goals/assists in 31 appearances – which has led many to call Everton’s decision to sell him a mistake. Vlasic appeared keen to stay at CSKA after a successful 2018/19, but some fans wouldn’t have let him leave permanently.
Good luck man, shame it never worked out at Everton but I’d expect to see you again in the prem. Talented player.
— Sam (@evertalks) June 19, 2019
Please take care of him as we didn’t 🙁
— me (@toffee_7) June 19, 2019
Gutted to see him go. Wasn’t given a fair chance but good luck to him
— Harry Oldfield (@harry_oldfield) June 19, 2019
Didn’t get a enough games to show his talent good luck with your new adventure ????????
— Karl (@YOZ_EFC) June 19, 2019
Good player..mistake I feel
— Callum Lapsley???????????????????????? (@callumlaps) June 19, 2019
Vlasic found himself behind Gylfi Sigurdsson in the pecking order and hasn’t made an appearance for Everton since May 2018. In his debut season at Goodison, he spent the majority of the campaign out of the matchday squad. He wasn’t given a lot of time to prove his worth at Everton, which is likely why supporters aren’t too happy to see Vlasic leaving on a permanent deal.
The midfielder was young and had potential, as clearly shown from his stint in Russia, but Everton’s loss will be CSKA’s gain.