The player who could scupper Antonio’s transfer
This transfer window is turning out to be a fascinating one (albeit it one without any actual transfers). There appears to be as many West Ham players linked with a move away as there are arriving. One of the more prominent stories in recent days has been that of Michail Antonio’s transfer to Al Ettifaq.
For those who don’t know, Al Ettifaq are the Saudi based club who have been spending big. They are currently managed by former England midfielder and Hammers heart breaker Steven Gerrard. With an abundance of oil wealth burning a hole in his pocket, Gerrard had turned his attention to Michail Antonio.
Jordan Henderson is joining Al Ettifaq from Liverpool for a reported £700,000 per week. Gerrard was also believed to have added Antonio to his wanted list, and agents had been contacted.
However it now appears the mega rich club may have found and alternative in Divok Origi. The Belgian international will be well known to Gerrard from his time at Liverpool. The speculation seems to be that Origi’s arrival would stop any moves for Antonio.
As a result, West Ham would be highly unlikely to proceed with their tentative enquiries for Armando Broja. Manager David Moyes is believed to be unhappy with the composition of the four strikers at his disposal.
It has also appeared from the outside as if Antonio has been agitating for a move away from West Ham for some time. With that in mind, The Hammers would have welcomed receiving a fee for the player.
Quite whether Michail Antonio could be convinced to move to Saudi is another matter altogether. But if LGBT activist and upholder of the rainbow laces campaign can be persuaded . . . . I guess anyone can.
