As West Ham prepare to begin their own European campaign in Croatia, a former Iron has very much announced himself on the big stage.
Sebastien Haller scored four goals for Ajax in the UEFA Champions League as the Dutch giants thrashed Sporting Lisbon 5-1 in Portugal.
Sold for £20.25million in January (BBC), the 27-year-old had struggled to settle in east London following a club record arrival.
It would appear Haller is having no problem finding his best form following his move.
Twitter: Four goals on your Champions League debut
Sebastien Haller take a bow
https://t.co/NsXJb5PrY0 (@goal)
A first professional hat-trick on Champions League debut unsurprisingly earned the Ivorian a perfect 10.00 Sofascore rating.
Prior to the haul, Haller has scored four goals and provided one assist in four Eredivisie outings.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
Well, there’s a turn-up.
Signed on the back of a superb spell in Germany, there was very little doubt the Ivory Coast international possessed the attributes to succeed in the Premier League.
Things simply never clicked for the powerful frontman and with just 14 goals in 53 Hammers’ appearances, a move was best for all parties.
Now valued at £24.3million (Transfermarkt), there could be a sense West Ham cut their losses somewhat.
David Moyes’ side will be out to show they don’t miss Haller as the Irons face Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.
