David Moyes explains timing of Antonio’s new West Ham deal

David Moyes has explained his club’s timing after West Ham offered star striker Michail Antonio a new deal this week. 

Antonio’s previous deal expired at the end of this season and the Hammers were keen to tie one of their most important players to a long-term contract.

Moyes has explained that Antonio’s previous deal had an option that needed to be triggered before January, which explains why a new contract has been agreed so early in the season.

Moyes is quoted by the Evening Standard as saying, “It was really important to extend his contract because he had an option we had to take up before the end of January.”

“Certainly since lockdown, he’s become instrumental to a lot of our goals and how he’s played. I’m pleased that we got it and it’s good that the club had things in control.

“I’m thrilled that we’ve got Micky sorted – all we need to do now is get him fit, firing and ready to play the way he has done over recent times.”

Antonio’s season has been hampered by injury but that hasn’t stopped the forward grabbing himself three goals in seven Premier League outings.

In a weird way, Antonio’s absence could have given some confidence to Hammers fans after their club’s start to the season.

West Ham are three points off the Champions League places heading into this weekend and the club have put some very good performances together without their key man.

There is no doubting that Moyes’ side are better when Antonio is in the team, which will have Irons fans wondering how much the side can improve once he is available.

Sebastien Haller, who has filled in for Antonio, has grabbed himself a couple of goals in recent weeks so there could finally be some competition in the striking position once the star man returns.

In other West Ham news, we believe that Moyes must stick with Pablo Fornals when his side takes on Chelsea.