Pundit View: So sad West Ham ace could quit this summer after new Jarrod Bowen verdict
West Ham United: Michail Antonio could quit London Stadium amid Jarrod Bowen verdict
West Ham Zone speaking to Frank McAvennie
Michail Antonio could quit West Ham this summer after Jarrod Bowen established himself as the main centre-forward at the London Stadium, according to Frank McAvennie.
The former West Ham man insisted that Antonio could find it difficult to get back into the team due to the form of Bowen and Danny Ings in recent weeks.
He also suggested that Bowen could be reluctant to move back out wide, having established himself as a good centre-forward under Moyes, and could solve their striker issues.
McAvennie – speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone – insisted that Bowen has been a “revelation” since the change of roles, which could force Antonio further down the pecking order.
“I don’t know if Bowen’s going to go back out wide. I don’t know if Antonio will get back in the team because Bowen’s been a revelation, he’s such a good player,” McAvennie gushed.
“He’s not a focus man, but he’s a strong boy, he can hold the ball. I like the way Ings has adjusted to the way West Ham are playing as well. When West Ham don’t play on the counter-attack, Ings fits in brilliantly.
“Antonio, you know, I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets a move. I would like him to stay, he’s a different kind of player from Ings and Bowen.
“I know he’d do it, but I don’t know if Bowen would want to go back out wide. He’s been playing a main role as the centre-forward and he’s passed with flying colours. I think we’ve found a good striker.”
Could Michail Antonio leave West Ham in the transfer window?
Antonio has been heavily linked to an exit since last summer’s transfer window, and was close to a permanent agreement in January with Brazilian outfit Germio before he pulled out of the deal for “personal reasons”.
His lack of game time this season has come as a result of a cross between his injury issues and the form of Bowen, with the Englishman adapting to his new role as a striker, allowing Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta to thrive.
With three goals and two assists in 17 Premier League appearances this season, it may finally be time for the Hammers to cut ties with Antonio if they can find a suitable offer in the summer.
West Ham United attacker Michail Antonio
West Ham United attacker Michail Antonio has faced injury woes
With Bowen, Antonio and Ings all fighting for one place up top in Moyes’ preferred system, Bowen is always likely to be the first choice, and if Antonio wants to play more regular football, he could be better off leaving the London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, McAvennie urged the club to sign Harry Maguire.
