Danny Ings to force West Ham United exit in January after what has happened at London Stadium
Danny Ings must be frustrated with his lack of game time at West Ham despite the lack of goals at the London Stadium.
Julen Lopetegui continues to trust Michail Antonio in the striker position, starting him in nine of the Hammers’ 11 Premier League matches this term, but has only notched one goal so far.
The summer addition of Niclas Fullkrug on a £27million deal [BBC Sport] looked to all but seal Ings’ fate at the London Stadium but many thought the German’s long-term injury problems would re-open the door.
That has been far from the truth, with unable to make a single Premier League start this season, coming on as a substitute on five occasions and accumulating 70 minutes in that time.
He was handed a start during the 5-1 defeat to Liverpool in the EFL Cup, but having been hooked on the hour mark, Ings continues to be overlooked by the new head coach.
Danny Ings to seal West Ham United exit in January?
With 72 goals and 22 assists in 230 Premier League appearances, Ings is not a striker to be looked down upon, much like David Moyes did during his second spell at the London Stadium.
Despite his lack of game time under the Scot, the 32-year-old was clearly persuaded to stay with the Hammers during the club’s pre-season but will be regretting that decision now.
He had a chance to return to Southampton during the summer transfer window, according to Sean Whetstone, but chose to stay and fight for a place under Lopetegui.
If a similar team comes calling again during the next transfer window, and that could be a possibility with the Saints’ current Premier League standing, he will likely jump at the chance to move on.
Lopetegui seems dead-set on sticking with Antonio despite his lack of goals, and much to the frustration of some fans, Ings could be leaving the London Stadium rather soon.
In other West Ham news, a report has shared if the Hammers are already planning to sell a 2024 signing in January.
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