Michail Antonio’s move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq is off.
The Mail is reporting tonight that the club has failed to agree a fee with West Ham which ensures the player will stay at the London Stadium unless a suitable offer is made. That ‘confirms ‘ Claret and Hugh’s story of several days ago.
The 33-year-old has been linked with a switch to the Middle East that would see him play under manager Steven Gerrard but as we understand the deal Al-Ettifaq have failed to make an offer which is a bizarre scenario.
Meanwhile, Aaron Cresswell is reported to also reported to be staying at the club after West Ham called off the full back’s move to Wolves after refusing the £2,5 million offer.
The England international made 28 league appearances last season, but is now into the final year of his contract at the London Stadium.
Did Antonio want to go there and earn the big bucks at the end of his career like Henderson at Liverpool that’s the question. What’s his head going to be like if he did and we’ve stopped him from going for the pretty foreign penny.
He’s been a great player for us but unless he’s committed to playing for us then I’d be willing to see him go and chase the Saudi money if that’s what he really wants. He’s 33, he’s one injury away from a long spell on the sidelines, he’s only really effective if he’s 100% fit and we need at least one new striker irrespective of whether he’s here or not. And £100K a week comes off the wage bill.