Al-Ettifaq now in advanced talks to sign West Ham United star Michail Antonio as exit news emerges
West Ham forward Michail Antonio could be on the move after “private negotiations” have taken place with Al-Ettifaq, according to Sport 24.
The Middle Eastern news outlet reported on 18 July that talks between the 33-year-old and the Saudi club, who are now managed by Steven Gerrard, have reached “advanced stages”.
The report doesn’t, however, detail whether Al-Ettifaq have contacted the Hammers about a potential transfer, with the striker being tied to a contract at the London Stadium until 2024.
A blow
It would be a blow to see Antonio move on before his contract expires, as he has been a great servant to the club during his eight-year spell in East London.
The likelihood is that the forward is being offered life-changing money to join Al-Ettifaq, with his current deal at West Ham worth a reported £80,000-£85,000-a-week, according to club insider ExWHUemployee.
The Hammers would be unlikely to net too much money for a transfer, given that Antonio is well into his 30s and only has a year left on his current deal.
The forward has played a pivotal role in the club’s success over the past couple of seasons, as he has led the line for the majority of the time since David Moyes rejoined the club in 2019.
It would be a shame to see him move on as he definitely does still have something to offer and because we’ve struggled to replace him over the past couple of years, with other forward options struggling to find any real consistency.
But if he wants to leave, it’s unlikely anyone will stand in his way.
In other West Ham news, a pundit labelled one Hammers target a “top player” and said his current team’s fans will “not be happy”.