West Ham fans will be mad at what Antonio has just said about Jarrod Bowen
Michail Antonio left West Ham at the end of June after almost a decade with the Hammers.
The Jamaican international was initially viewed as a winger when he joined from Nottingham Forest, but moved into the centre of the attack after several years.
He would go on to score 83 goals and provide 42 assists in East London, but his last season was cut short after the striker broke his leg in a serious car accident.
Antonio returned to action for his national team, appearing in three games in June, but is not expected to return to West Ham, despite it remaining possible.
Antonio teases West Ham fans
West Ham are interested in signing a striker this summer following the departure of Antonio.
The Hammers have been linked to Mehdi Taremi, but appear to have settled on a move for free agent Callum Wilson.
The 33-year-old left Newcastle United at the end of the season after suffering from several injury problems in his last two years in the North East, but does have a proven track record of scoring in the Premier League.
Wilson’s arrival may see more chances given to young striker Callum Marshall, who has impressed in pre-season following a loan move to Huddersfield Town last season.
Niclas Fullkrug is also hoping to revitalise his West Ham career after joining from Borussia Dortmund last summer, the German having endured an injury-laden debut campaign at The London Stadium.
Most expectations will again fall on the shoulders of Jarrod Bowen; however, after the forward directly contributed to 23 Premier League goals last season, despite West Ham’s disappointing league finish.
Last season’s tally saw the 28-year-old surpass club legend Paolo Di Canio on the list for West Ham’s top Premier League goal-scorers.
| Michail Antonio | 68 |
| Jarrod Bowen | 56 |
| Paolo Di Canio | 47 |
| Mark Noble | 47 |
| Carlton Cole | 41 |
And 12 more next season would see Bowen draw level with Antonio, with the striker jokingly suggesting the forward should leave the Hammers before the record is taken.
Speaking to Goal (24 July), he said: “This is what’s annoying me about Jarrod right now. This man is 12 goals away from me.
“I’m like, bro, give me at least five years of me chilling there. Like it was there for like 20 years, and now you want to take it from me within the four? Like, what are you doing?
“I know West Ham fans will be mad I’m saying this – man (Bowen) needs to leave.”
Bowen will claim West Ham record
Much to the dismay of Antonio, Bowen will likely claim the record next season.
The forward has developed into a deadly finisher for the Hammers and is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.
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