IFK Norrköping manager Jens Gustafsson has told the Swedish press Sead Haksabanovic will not be returning to his parent club West Ham United, despite the Hammers taking a keen interest in his recent form.
The attacker is currently on an 18 month loan deal with IFK after joining the Swedish side during the last winter transfer window.
Fotboll Direkt have reported on comments Gustafsson made to the Norrköping press when quizzed whether Haksabanovic would be heading back to West Ham: “He will play for IFK, we have an agreement to prove it.”
The IFK coach also confirmed they are working on a solution to sign the youngster on a permanent deal: “Yes, I think you can say that.”
There have been reports in Sweden that the Hammers have been attending IFK games to see how the 20 year old has been progressing. This week he will also train with the Premier League side, with the Allsvenskan season now finished.
However, Haksabanovic has also played down rumours he will be returning to West Ham as he believes he’s not ready for the English top flight: “I’m more mature now than before I came here but still think I need a little more to be able to play in the Premier League.”
The young attacker had a disappointing loan spell with Spanish side Malaga last season but he’s found his form since joining IFK.
Haksabanovic is contracted to the London club until June 2022.
