As Manuel Pellegrini continues to assess his options at the London Stadium having taken over West Ham United this summer, it’s being suggested that former Southampton loanee Michail Antonio could be available at the right price.
Sky Sports reported this week that the Hammers would entertain sensible options for the 28-year-old even though he had impressed Pellegrini with his skill and versatility during pre-season training so far.
Having joined them three years ago from Nottingham Forest, a spate of injuries have held him back though and it’s suggested the thought is it might be time to move him on from that basis alone as he did only make 21 appearances for them in 2017/18.
So West Ham are looking at offloading Antonio. Anyone else think he is worth a punt? #SaintsFC
— Mark (@Laceysaints) July 9, 2018
I guess around £10million would be the magic number and there were a fair few fans on social media who’d be up for such a deal given the positions he can occupy and the way he impressed whilst at the club during his loan spell back in 2009/10.
Hes good, just think we could do better. Redmonds gonna break through this year, Hughes knows how to manage him
— Matt (@MattElgar14) July 9, 2018
He is consistent, when fit and in the right position he's always our best player, the shambles of the last 2 systems not letting that happen has been the only thing to let him down, us not him
— Matthew Bullock (@MatthewJBullock) July 9, 2018
Would be fantastic for anyone outside top 6, can't believe that seems like the plan
— Matthew Bullock (@MatthewJBullock) July 9, 2018
There were those who urged far more caution though given his recent struggles for fitness.
Nah
— Matt (@MattElgar14) July 9, 2018
This is the major problem. Without it, I'd be in favour.
— Lucy Highnett (@lucyhighnett) July 9, 2018
Although I guess they wouldn't be so keen to sell if he wasn't injury prone.
— Lucy Highnett (@lucyhighnett) July 9, 2018
If we were gunna get him, it would have been after his L1 loan spell at the club. Clearly, for whatever reason, the we didn't have enough confidence in him then. We're certainly not gunna chance him now he's on triple+ the wages.
— Richard Durkin (@RichieDurkin) July 10, 2018
The very nature of his play and what he is about will always stress the hamstring out. No way the boys at the top would sanction the fee or wages on a punt. Else would have on Studge, Wilshire, Ings and Antonio Im sure. Would never get through the red tape.
— Les' Lamborghini (@saintbannerman) July 9, 2018
Tbf, I’d never go back. I liked him when he was with us all those years ago but I just don’t think going back is ever a good thing
— Nicky Shakespeare (@NickyShakey) July 10, 2018
No to injury prone. #saintsfc
— stuart vatcher (@StuartVatcher) July 9, 2018
