Croatia international Lovre Kalinic has told the Belgian media he was disappointed his proposed move to Aston Villa failed in the last transfer window. Kalinic instead joined Jupiler League side Gent from Hajduk Split.
The Gent star revealed at the time he was unhappy he didn’t get his transfer to Aston Villa as he was prepared for the move.
“I couldn’t get a work permit for England. Croatia have only been a European Union member since 2013 and in the first seven years after accession, you still need a work permit. I did not get that licence because I do not have enough caps for my country. Whether I was disappointed? Yes,” said Kalinic his move to Aston Villa collapsing.
Earlier this month the Birmingham Mail reported Aston Villa had agreed a fee of £4.9m with Hajduk Split to sign Kalinic in the last window. It was revealed Aston Villa twice tried to get the deal across the line with the FA, but were rejected on both occasions. Instead the Championship side brought in Sam Johnstone on loan from Manchester United.
