Frank McAvennie: West Ham already have Andriy Yarmolenko replacement
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie believes West Ham may already have their own Andriy Yarmolenko replacement in the squad, as the Ukrainian is linked with moves away.
Various news outlets have carried reports linking the 31-year-old with a transfer this summer, with Turkish publication Sabah claiming that Fenerbahce are eyeing up a move.
Yarmolenko’s West Ham contract does not run out until June 2022, but the winger has struggled for game time at the London Stadium in recent seasons, making just 47 Premier League appearances since his 2018 transfer from Borussia Dortmund, and 54 in total.
Former Irons striker McAvennie has suggested that the wealth of options in David Moyes’ squad could be the reason why the Euro 2020 star is let go this summer.
“He’s only going to be a bit-part player,” McAvennie told West Ham Zone.
“I think he’s one of those that West Ham can afford to let go, I definitely do.
“They’ve got [Jarrod] Bowen and [Pablo] Fornals, who was a big surprise last year, he stepped up so I’m not going to be surprised this year if he does as well.
“It looks like West Ham have an alright midfield.
“If you want to let anyone go, he’s the one.”
Phased out
Yarmolenko was a big-name signing when he joined the Irons in 2018, but a serious injury during his debut campaign really put the stoppers on him fulfilling his potential at the club.
25-year-old Fornals, Bowen and loan star Jesse Lingard established themselves as the first-choice trio behind Michail Antonio last season, while the likes of Said Benrahma and Manuel Lanzini are also in the squad and can play out wide.
It will be a case of ‘what could have been’ when Yarmolenko does indeed leave the Irons, as we saw just what a special talent he is at Euro 2020.
But some things just don’t work out, and his exit would be agreeable for all parties concerned.
In other West Ham news, Fabrizio Romano delivers Declan Rice Friday night update amid ‘Open’ situation.
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