Michail Antonio remained at West Ham United in the January transfer window in the end.
West Ham striker Michail Antonio was apparently a transfer target for Brazilian side Gremio, and in fact it was suggested that the only reason he didn’t join them was because he failed a medical.
However, it now seems like that wasn’t in fact the case at all.
Hammers boss David Moyes is already short in the attacking department, so the fact that Antonio, 33, didn’t leave is a good thing, whatever you think about the forward’s ability.
The Jamaica international returned to first-team action during our defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, and despite his poor display at least it means that we have another body back who can play up front.
But why did his move to Gremio in January actually fail to materialise?
Real reason why Michail Antonio stayed at West Ham in January
According to Guilherme Ness, Antonio didn’t fail a medical but rather it was him who rejected a move to Gremio.
I don’t blame Antonio really. He’s sitting comfortably on a £100k-a-week contract at the London Stadium, and at his age it must be tempting to see that deal out.
That said, I’m pretty sure the Jamaica international will be moved on from West Ham before the start of next season.
He quite simply isn’t the player he once was anymore, and although it may sound harsh, he shouldn’t be anywhere near the starting XI of a top 10 Premier League side now.
West Ham need to bring in a big upgrade on Michail Antonio, if we are to make some real progress up to the next level over the next few years.
Whether he’ll be willing to leave before his contract ends remains to be seen though.
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