West Ham United hailed over Michail Antonio transfer decision after £500,000 development
Dan Bardell has backed the West Ham decision not to sell Michail Antonio despite receiving a bid during the summer.
The Hammers were subject to a £500,000 bid for the Jamaica international from Brazilian side Gremio but the offer was swiftly rejected [The Athletic].
The 34-year-old has started all but one Premier League game so far this season despite Niclas Fullkrug coming in from Borussia Dortmund during the window.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell believes the Irons made the right decision but thinks Antonio should be playing less than he is.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham News, Bardell said: “I think he’s part of the furniture now at West Ham.
“I think we’re past the time where Michail Antonio should be the main main starting up front every week for them.
“There’s still a place for him at the club and for that kind of fee it’s not worth selling him at all. I still expect him to get plenty of game time, he’s useful even if he isn’t the number one.
“I think they have done the right thing by keeping him.“
West Ham reject Michail Antonio transfer offer
It has come as a surprise to supporters that the former Nottingham Forest man has started the season as Julen Lopetegui’s main number nine.
This could be put down to Fullkrug’s injury but the Germany international wasn’t starting before suffering an Achilles problem during the break.
The ex-Dortmund man isn’t the only player that the Spanish head coach isn’t trusting with Jean-Clair Todibo being in the same boat.
Antonio is past his peak and hasn’t shown his best form for many months now which makes it more bizarre as to why he plays so much.
He adds physicality and reliability to the side but soon the Irons boss has to begin to phase him out the starting XI to become an impact option.
In other West Ham news, Henry Winter has been left stunned by ‘bizarre’ incident that happened against Chelsea.
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