The start of an overlong Arnautovic farewell but he got what he wanted in the end aided by his agent/brother
There are so many questions to be asked of the current transfer window with centrally whether players from abroad would be allowed into the country under the current restrictions.
David Moyes has made it clear he expects “every player and their dog” to be linked with the Hammers but this time around the prospect of individuals arriving in this country given the circumstances seems a remote or sensible plan.
It hardly came as a surprise to see Marko Arnautovic linked with a return to the manager who made a striker out of him when last in charge of the Hammers.
With the pandemic just around the corner he made a pretty ill-timed decision to move to China of all places and I really don’t see a return being on the cards.
Beyond an attitude which would be completely out of sync with the current togetherness in our dressing room, at 32 after playing in a clearly sub standard brand of football, he’s not for me .
And two remarks on the ClaretandHugh forum indicates the total split among the fans on the possibility – if it actually exists – of him re-joining the club
Writes one in a clear reference to Seb Haller: “No brainer. Football is a big business based on winners . I know what I would prefer. A 100% talented player with a dodgy attitude towards money or a100% talented player who is lazy and puts in no effort .
Says the other: “Oh I didn’t realise we needed a disloyal, backstabbing, money grabbing bloke who will want a fortune in wages, be disruptive in the dressing room and really upset fans who have pride in honesty, loyalty and a love of West Ham. What could possibly go wrong?”
If the bloke manages to split opinion so decisively among the fans, it may be reasonable to expect he will do the same in the dressing room.
Not for me.
In a heartbeat. Football is a results game and he will score goals. Anyone hooked up on sentiment is following the wrong sport they’re all mercenaries. If his wages to goal ratio works out to be good business then let’s exploit that, hopefully finish higher up the table with more prize money to find a long term solution, pretty simple to me.
There has never been an indication that he was disruptive in the dressing room, certainly he through his brother was disruptive in the media and possibly board room. I wouldn’t look forward to that circus but willing to sacrifice my own feelings for results and as a player he gave us plenty and was a nightmare to defend against, on previous form he would be worth a few points in what might be a very tight battle for European places.
Its definitely a tough one ..I would take him back for sure ,but with some rules ..and I would run it past the players first to see what they think …
Yep agree. Thing is we really have no idea what he’s like on a personal level. Maybe he’s even matured a bit since his spectacularly devisive departure..
My gut said “no way”, but really if he came on loan and the 1st team players were happy to welcome him back, why not give it a go?
I personally thought him and Pellegrini never got on, and or were not on the same page as to what was expected of one another’s game plan ? Whereas Mr Moyes got the best out of Arnautovic for him the club and Arnautovic? Was a win win situation for the club Arnie and Moyes’s in avoiding relegation that season. So no, if there’s A mutual respect for each other in getting the best out of each other ( Moyes and Arnautovic) then it’s got to be better for all including the club in the future???
Well, if we can’t have Betway as a sponsor on the jersey, perhaps Geritol will step up. I enjoyed watching Arnie torment the opposition, and he has a nasty streak.
Pay per play? Would prefer Carroll.
Regardless, Moyes knows best.
If we go for anyone in China Super League I’d prefer Rondon! A little younger at 31, he has talked about coming back to PL he is well rounded CF that can play lone CF hold up link up for with some pace & physical, suits many styles. I also always like Cedric Bakumba 28 now Iin La Liga he was like a clinical Mikey quick powerful gets in behind & finishes both have done better then Arnie in China I believe & one PL experience. We don’t know of he caused issues in the dressing room but there were rumours of unhappiness after he signed new deal & didn’t show up until last two games. So I do think it be a risk especially with his brother. I wouldn’t pay him £200k I’d take that money & give Rice his new deal & I’d lockdown Souček again too bc he we have suitors as well. Don’t think it will happen anyway but I’d definitely take Rondon on loan or smart deal.