Manuel Lanzini’s father confirms options to quit West Ham United, River Plate return on the cards
Manuel Lanzini could return to Argentina to join River Plate in the summer as confirmed by the player’s father, Hector.
The 29-year-old playmaker has a contract at the club until the end of the season, but the Hammers do have the option to extend his deal.
Lanzini has made only one start in the Premier League this season and a further four appearances have come from the bench.
“We are all fans of River and our partners. The whole family. Sitting there and seeing Manu would be a pride , sharing it again even with my oldest grandson,” said Hector to TycSports.
“Then here is a problem that is social, living in a difficult country with problems economic and insecurity , but putting on the River shirt again is a dream for the whole family
“He is at West Ham, his contract ends in June and the club has the power to renew him for two more years. The club is excellent. I just came from Europe, he has some chances to go elsewhere, but the league is very competitive.”
According to TycSports, River Plate made a contact with West Ham to enquire about Lanzini’s availability in January. It was difficult for Lanzini to leave, but he would be open to joining River Plate once his contract expires in June.
Time to leave
Lanzini started his early career with River Plate and it will be great for him to return to his old club and end his career there.
The versatile attacking midfielder has been at the club for eight years now. He has made over 200 appearances and has scored 31 goals in all competitions.
Lanzini was outstanding from 2016-18, but he never looked like the same player after a cruciate ligament ruined his 2018-19 campaign. The following season, he suffered a broken collarbone, and at one point it felt like he could be shown the exit door.
The former Fluminense attacking midfielder played a key role last season. He made 45 appearances and scored seven goals under David Moyes.
Obviously, he has got loads of quality. He has got a lot of football left in him but he struggled to get games at the club this season.
With his contract coming to an end, it looks unlikely that he would be given a new deal.