West Ham United open to selling Michail Antonio to Al-Ettifaq, very early talks on – Sky Sports
West Ham are in “very early” talks to sell Michail Antonio to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq and are open to his exit, according to Sky Sports.
Writing in their live transfer blog on their official website (20 July), the Hammers are said to be in talks with the team coached by Steven Gerrard to sell the 33-year-old striker in the final year of his contract.
West Ham have the option to add another year to his deal, but are open to his exit should an acceptable bid be made by the Saudi club.
“Al-Ettifaq are interested in signing West Ham striker Michail Antonio,” they wrote.
“Sky Sports News has been told talks are at a very early stage.
“The 33-year-old has a year left on his contract – West Ham have the option to extend for a further year.
“It’s understood West Ham would consider offers – provided the price was right.”
Heating up
West Ham’s transfer window is clearly heating up now, and Antonio’s exit is something that many people have been predicting.
The Jamaica international was the team’s top scorer last season, but struggled to make himself a regular in the team as David Moyes opted for Gianlua Scamacca and then signed Danny Ings.
But Antonio battled back into the team and earned his spot for the Europa Conference League final, but the 33-year-old is likely to want first-team guarantees at this point in his career.
There has been some talk that the player is open to the move abroad to link up with Gerrard and earn a monumental pay packet in the final years of his career.
If West Ham can get the right money or him then they’re likely to sell to ensure they don’t lose him for nothing, but what that amount is seems unclear. If he goes though, we must ensure he is replaced and we’re not left short.
In other West Ham news, brand new bid imminent as Moyes steps up chase for Declan Rice replacement.