Michail Antonio drops hint he could leave West Ham United in January
West Ham striker Michail Antonio has dropped a big hint that he could leave the club in the January window.
The 32-year-old, who joined the Hammers from Nottingham Forest in 2015, has confirmed that “there are talks”, and he has been in touch with other clubs over a potential move.
The Hammers have signed Danny Ings from Aston Villa this month, and the Guardian reported on 14 January that the Hammers are open to selling him this month.
“Honestly, I’ve not ruled anything out. That’s all I can say,” said Antonio to The Footballer’s Football Podcast (26 January).
“Nothing has been ruled out. There are talks, so whatever happens, happens.
“I’ve been here for eight-and-a-half years now, become top goalscorer for the club and I’ve loved every moment of it. Every single moment is somewhere close to my heart and I’ll always be looking out for it. I love the fans, I’ve loved my time at West Ham.
“It’s just one of those things. I’m not saying goodbye, I’m saying basically, if it happens, it happens and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t. I won’t be upset about staying and I’ll definitely be upset if I leave because obviously I’ve enjoyed my time here, but football is football.”
Bad move
Antonio has been a great player for the club and it will be a bad decision to let him go.
He became the club’s top scorer in the Premier League in August 2021 with his 48th top-flight goal breaking Paolo di Canio’s club record.
The Jamaican striker has been linked with a move to Wolves and Chelsea this month, but the club must keep him until the end of the season.
David Moyes’s side are in a relegation fight this season, and losing Antonio now would be a big blow. His experience and quality would come in handy, even though Moyes could struggle to give him regular game time.
Antonio has scored four goals and provided three assists in all competitions so far. With Gianluca Scamacca and Ings both injured, selling Antonio now would be a huge gamble.
However, it appears that Antonio has mentally prepared to leave the Hammers. With less than a week remaining in the January transfer window, his exit can’t be ruled out.