West Ham United transfers: Reason why Michail Antonio to Gremio collapsed shared
Michail Antonio pulled out of talks with Gremio that would have seen him leave West Ham for Brazil permanently in January, according to Guilherme Ness.
Writing on his personal Twitter account (15 February), the Brazilian journalist reports that the Jamaica international was in talks about a move to South America during the January window before it collapsed when the player pulled out of the deal.
Antonio wanted a long-term contract to move but Gremio were only offering a short deal and in the end “personal reasons” were cited, before the Brazilians moved to sign former Chelsea striker Diego Costa on Thursday instead (15 February).
“Behind the scenes about Michail Antonio that Portal da Gremista found out,” he wrote.
“He was the management’s plan A to replace Suárez. Antonio, for personal reasons, ended up giving up the deal.
“The current management adopts a short contract model, the player did not want to embark for a few seasons.
“With difficulties finding a replacement, management had to turn to Diego Costa, who was announced today.”
West Ham needed a replacement to let Antonio leave
It seems like a fair assessment to say that Antonio’s career at the London Stadium is coming to the end of it’s time, with his performances dwindling and his age increasing.
He is set to return for the weekend clash against Nottingham Forest, but it seems like it very nearly wasn’t the case because a move to Gremio was closer than anyone expected.
But with the club struggling to bring players in during the January window, it’s a bit of a surprise that West Ham would have been open to his exit considering.
Danny Ings has completely flopped in his 12 months at the club, Divin Mubama isn’t being given an opportunity by David Moyes to prove he is good enough and that has seen Jarrod Bowen deployed as the centre-forward more often than not.
If Antonio were to leave it would mean the squad is light up top, but the fact he’s still here can only be a positive thing at this point – even if it is only until the summer.
In other West Ham news, Barcelona star wanted at London Stadium amid major financial issues.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.