Two more players set to follow Rice
Two more Hammers players are set to follow Declan Rice out of West Ham according to numerous reports. They are Gianluca Scamacca and Michail Antonio who want to depart for very different reasons.
Scamacca has failed to settle in England, so wishes to return to his native Italy. Roma and Inter Milan are believed to be interested but Juventus are also expected to join in.
Michail Antonio recently pointed out that Scamacca is not suited to David Moyes tactics. Whilst the observation was poorly timed it was accurate, which begs the question as to why he was purchased.
Antonio himself is perfectly adapted to the Moyes way of doing things but it’s believed the two don’t see eye to eye. West Ham’s converted forward did not hold back during a podcast last December. He let it be known that he was willing to leave East London with Wolves rumoured to be interested.
Whilst I can understand Scamaccas’s position, I find Antonio’s stance more difficult to fathom. Moyes turned the player from a substitute winger into a forward. It could be argued that the Scotsman is the most influential manager in Antonio’s career.
He’s pretty much has a free reign at leading the line for a Premier League team for well over two years. Factor in regular European football and as a result a trophy.
It’s difficult to envisage a situation where Antonio enjoys such faith at another club but I may be wrong.
Whatever the reasons why, it’s clear that David Moyes will have to reconstruct his forward line once again.
A loan deal for Scamacca is no good for West Ham. We’ll need funds to help purchase any replacements but I’d expect to make a loss.
