Michail Antonio is believed to be involved in talks to make a move the ‘mega money’ Saudi Arabian League which is attracting a number of top players from the UK.
According to a tweet from Al-Ettifaq, Steven Gerrard’s new club – the 33 year old Hammer is believed to be in advanced negotiations with the club. The news has also been confirmed by Guardian journalist Jacob Steinberg.
Antonio has spent the last six months hinting that he wanted out at West Ham and this may be his chance. During one of his numerous podcast appearances, the striker was seen to undermine manger David Moyes. When asked about teammate Gianluca Scamacca, Antonio commented that strikers playing under Moyes ‘had to feed off scraps’.
Antonio had it good with Moyes
Personally I’ve never understood Antonio’s angst with Moyes. There are many who have reason to complain about the manager but not Antonio. When Moyes arrived at West Ham, Antonio was playing second fiddle as a wing understudy to Robert Snodgrass.
The Hammers boss metamorphosised Antonio’s career to the point where he’s now regarded as a Premier League striker.
Antonio has a year remaining on his West Ham contract, and would be unlikely to receive a fee from an English club. But with Saudi clubs now spending money like it’s going out of fashion, this timing could work well.
If the Irons can get a fee for their record Premier League goal scorer, it could be immediately reinvested. Moyes is known to retain an interest in Armando Broja who was injured for much of last season. Gianluca Scamacca is believed to be unsettled at the club despite a charm offensive last week.
My own opinion . . . . If we can get Antonio for anything like the rumoured £15m fee we should sell.