West Ham will cash in on Michail Antonio in January if an opportunity arises, with the experienced attacker entering the final year of his deal.
According to Football Insider, West Ham will take advantage of the opportunity to cash in on Michail Antonio in January. The experienced attacker’s contract ends next summer, with the winter window being the club’s best chance to attain some money for the striker.
Michail Antonio has endeared himself to the Hammers fanbase following many years of absolute success for the club. Signed from Nottingham Forest in a £7 million deal, the Jamaican has proved he was worth every penny, having already hit a century of goals for the club in all competitions.
With the striker entering the final year of his deal in the summer and not getting any younger, West Ham were open to selling him. They had eyes for Elye Wahi, but despite signing Niclas Fullkrug in the summer, their failure to sign the Frenchman resulted in Antonio staying.
Antonio had Fulham’s late interest, but no move worked out for any party concerned. The Jamaican has started five of the eight games this season for West Ham, although there are concerns about whether he will be able to contribute like before, as the experienced attacker only has an assist in his name.
The Hammers are actively looking to sell him in January, even though his deal only has six months left. While it is challenging to get a suitor to sign off on a small payment for the 34-year-old, the Hammers will be open to the opportunity regardless of how tiny the fee might be.
Antonio to leave if a new striker arrives
West Ham is already facing issues with its strikers, and even the new signing, Fullkrug, continues to struggle in front of the goal this season. Julen Lopetegui has tried many options, including the tested formula for using Jarrod Bowen in a false-nine role, but nothing seems to work. Hence, the Hammers could re-enter the market for a new striker in January, with Jhon Duran a player of acute interest.
While they are open to cashing in on Antonio, there are doubts about whether he will be allowed to leave if they fail to bring in a new striker in January. Hence, the Jamaican could still play out his entire season at the London Stadium and then find a new challenge in the summer.
