Michail Antonio set for West Ham United exit as transfer updates emerge at London Stadium
Frank McAvennie fears Michail Antonio’s time at West Ham could be coming to an end after recent transfer news emerged at the London Stadium.
Valencia striker Hugo Duro has been the latest striker to be linked with a move to East London [Caught Offside, 30 September], with Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush also a potential target [TEAMtalk].
While Antonio has started five of the Hammers’ six Premier League matches this season, he has notched just one assist so far, with supporters becoming frustrated with the calibre of strikers at the club.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “I would think so [Antonio could leave]. I don’t know what the situation is with his contract but, though he has been great for us over the years, he’s not putting himself about like he used to. It’s not happening.
“Whether it’s the change in playing style or something else… He used to do so much for the team, holding the ball up and knocking people about, but he isn’t doing that now.”
Michail Antonio to leave West Ham United in January?
Julen Lopetegui had the opportunity to ship a number of the current squad out during the summer transfer window, especially Antonio, who was the subject of a £500,000 bid from Gremio [The Athletic].
The Hammers rejected this offer at the time, with Antonio seemingly an important aspect of Lopetegui’s future plans ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
New signing Niclas Fullkrug likely would have played a more major role if not for his recent injury problems following the last international break, only appearing in the league as a substitute so far.
A swap of strikers in January would certainly make sense, with Marmoush the better candidate from the two targets, given he has six goals in five Bundesliga games this season, but that would likely mean getting rid of one squad member first.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers want to sign a Vladimir Coufal replacement, Daniel Kretinsky can help.
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