Julen Lopetegui

Hammers Hold Onto Antonio

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 West Ham United have announced a surprising turn of events for their attacking force. The Evening Standard reports that Michail Antonio, whose future with the club was recently uncertain, is now expected to stay put.

The news comes as a surprise to many, as Antonio himself had expressed doubts about his future at the London Stadium. However, Julen Lopetegui, West Ham’s new manager, appears to have faith in the veteran forward. This decision highlights Lopetegui’s recognition of Antonio’s experience and skillset, as he previously attempted to sign Antonio for Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The surprising twist lies in West Ham’s ongoing pursuit of a new starting striker. While Antonio appears to have secured his place in the squad, he may transition into a backup role. This move suggests a two-pronged attack for the Hammers, with Antonio offering valuable depth and experience to the squad.

Lopetegui has wasted no time in making his mark on the club, prioritising the attacking line in his summer transfer window plans. The arrival of a new striker will provide healthy competition for Antonio and potentially decrease his playing time.

Antonio’s future has been a constant source of transfer rumours, with MLS and Saudi Pro League clubs frequently mentioned as potential destinations. Lopetegui’s prior interest in Antonio suggests he values the player’s skillset, despite seeking additional attacking reinforcements.

The Irons are poised for an exciting attacking revamp. The arrival of a new striker alongside Antonio signifies a potential two-pronged approach in the frontline. How Lopetegui integrates Antonio into his tactics and manages playing time will be a key storyline to watch as the club embarks on a new season. We will all be eager to see this attacking puzzle come together under Lopetegui’s leadership.

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21 comments

  • Bib says:

    What a kick in the teeth, for the youngsters, no wonder there leaving on mass ,

  • Gary says:

    People are either crazy or a little stupid. We don’t have bottomless cash. Keeping the likes of Antonio and Cresswell as back ups allows us to better strengthen the rest of the starting 11 and squad. We can go out and buy 15 players a season

  • TerryT says:

    Antonio is very capable of being what we don’t have at the moment, an impact sub. Train him up as an explosive twenty minute player, and keep him for that role only.

  • Gossy says:

    Where else you gonna get a decent super sub, someone who defenders don’t want to see with 20mins left for free?

    People loosing their ****e need a chill pill

  • Hammer says:

    Antonio will be a squad player a good second half threat. Lets face it he has shown more effort than some of the so called forwards we brought in over last couple of years. At least we may end up with a squad and not down to the bare bones we have been over the last season.

  • Lemmy says:

    Why are so many of you supporters ?–I question ,always so negative.
    I’ve been watching West ham for a very long time and the last 4yrs has been the best in terms of achievement though the style has not always been pleasing to the eye.
    Let’s see what next season bring with the new manager,stop fckng moaning and get behind the team.

  • Marktj says:

    Seems to me we are going to get a partial re-build now, then another in January and a final one next summer. I suppose it makes sense to gradually. Having the 8-12 new players we need as a minimum, all arriving at once would be mayhem.

  • Trevor says:

    I’m pleased that Antonio will remain a valuable squad member. Age really doesn’t matter in his case. If you didn’t know he was 34 years of age, you’d never guess it. Same could be said about Fabianski at 39 (I know goalkeepers are different).
    However, some players do show their age – Cresswell and Ogbonna are two. Rumour has it that Cress is staying for another year…..but it will only be as back up to Emerson, as he’s already been for the past few years.
    There could be a time next season when we need a goal with twenty minutes to go……Who would be the perfect player to bring on to force the winner? Antonio has to stay.

  • Sissons64 says:

    They have had their day, spend more time injured than playing, we are like a old people’s home at times.

  • Trevor Brooking walks on water says:

    Antonio is a player he will keep, because Lopetigui’s rebuild is an evolution not a revolution. If he changes the squad enmasse, then it will be too disruptive to team cohesion. Old heads and strong characters at the club like Antonio and Cressie can provide that role model for the new younger talent coming through the door and can be the glue that maintains that essential team morale in the dressing room.

    • Basvegas says:

      Exactly, we will have so many leaving and another half dozen coming in, we still need to keep the squad cohesion. We still need senior players around the squad ffs. Get a grip people.

    • Paul says:

      Well said

  • D.f.butcher says:

    F??king joke so much for building for the future same old bull**** from the club , keep the old ones , Antonio ,cresswell , zouma probably, ect ect , the only new thing we are getting is a new manager, and he’s old , still I suppose anyone under 80 is young to Sullivan , I was hoping for fast flowing football not Zimmerframeball,

    • LORD ROBERT VENOUR says:

      I heard noble lampard are available

    • Lemmy says:

      Why are so many of you supporters ?–I question ,always so negative.
      I’ve been watching West ham for a very long time and the last 4yrs has been the best in terms of achievement though the style has not always been pleasing to the eye.
      Let’s see what next season bring with the new manager,stop fckng moaning and get behind the team.

  • Adam says:

    I would keep Antonio as has squad player bring off the bench 20 minutes to go he will bully defenders. He can’t play a full 90 minutes anymore.
    Been a great player for us though

    • LORD ROBERT VENOUR says:

      You can’t keep a player on past would be a mistake especially when you have young talent coming through you might aswell keep moyes

    • Dfbucher says:

      No he hasn’t wasted of space , the only thing he bullied is himself, bring back scamacca

    • Jason Dunlop says:

      Agree wholeheartedly Adam. ⚒️

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