Sport Nation 2West Ham United is prepared to sell Michail Antonio in the upcoming January transfer window. The experienced forward is entering the final year of his contract, which expires next summer. Reports indicate that the club views January as an opportune moment to capitalize on his value.
Antonio joined West Ham from Nottingham Forest for £7 million and has since become a fan favorite, scoring over 100 goals for the club in all competitions. However, with his contract situation and age—he turns 35 soon—West Ham is contemplating his future.
Despite initial interest in signing French striker Elye Wahi, the club secured Niclas Füllkrug in the summer, leading to Antonio’s retention. Although Fulham showed late interest in him, a transfer did not materialize. This season, Antonio has started five out of eight matches but has only contributed one assist, raising questions about his current impact.
West Ham is actively looking to offload Antonio in January, even if it means accepting a small fee. However, there are concerns about finding a suitable buyer for a player nearing the end of his career.
The Hammers are also struggling with their striker situation. Füllkrug has not found his scoring form, prompting manager Julen Lopetegui to experiment with various formations, including deploying Jarrod Bowen as a false nine. If West Ham cannot secure a replacement striker, they may hesitate to let Antonio leave, potentially leading him to remain with the club until the summer before exploring new opportunities.
In summary, while West Ham is open to selling Michail Antonio in January, the decision may hinge on their ability to recruit a new striker. The coming months will be crucial for both the club and the player as they navigate this transitional period.
Sport nation
Austute Man