West Ham United want to sign replacement for ‘fan favourite’ Michail Antonio in January, 2024 exit on the cards
West Ham United want to sign a long-term replacement for Michail Antonio in January, according to FootballTransfers.
The publication reported on its website on Friday (17 November) that the “fan favourite” is falling out of favour under manager David Moyes.
Antonio, who joined the East London outfit from Nottingham Forest in 2015, has scored 77 goals from 290 appearances.
“West Ham will look for a long-term replacement for Michail Antonio in the January transfer window with the forward slowly falling out of favour under David Moyes, FootballTransfers understands.
“Antonio is a fan favourite with the Hammers, having joined the club in 2015, but, despite featuring in all 12 of his side’s Premier League games this season, the 33-year-old has failed to score since netting twice in West Ham’s opening three matches in August.”
Exit nearing
Antonio has been a superb servant at West Ham over the years, with the Jamaican international netting several important goals in claret and blue. He has also helped out in various roles when required, with the striker proving himself to be a very versatile player.
But goals have been hard to come by for Antonio this season, with winger Jarrod Bowen the club’s main source in that area.
Moreover, the Jamaican is now 33 years old, with David Moyes and indeed all Hammers fans perhaps wanting a younger and quicker striker leading the line at the London Stadium.
He did seemingly come close to an exit in the summer transfer window, but fans will be glad that he stayed given his important goals earlier in the season.
But it seems like either January or next summer is the ideal time for the parties to go separate ways, with an upgrade now required in order to take the club to the next level.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are eyeing a former Premier League striker who is “free to leave” his current club, with a January deal on the cards.