Nikola Vlasic is right now having a medical to join Everton, report Croatia’s 24Sata.
The player’s transfer to Goodison Park is big news in Croatia and 24Sata had a feature in their Wednesday edition on the sporting successes of the Vlasic family. Nikola’s older sister Blanca is a very successful high-jumper, and the Croatian media are understandably proud of the Vlasics.
24Sata say Nikola Vlasic’s Everton medical is taking place in Liverpool, as had been reported on Wednesday, but they also cover the potential work permit problem.
Despite Croatia being a member of the EU, their succession dates mean footballers still need a permit to play here.
Lovre Kalinic was denied a work permit in January to move to Aston Villa, and commented in February: “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.”
The Croatian newspaper believe that even if Vlasic’s application is refused first time, he’ll be successful on appeal. Those involved in the Everton transfer are said to be ‘convinced’ the transfer would then go through, because of the 19 year old’s good record with Croatia’s youth teams.
There’s a clear determination to get this deal over the line.
