Until his car accident in December Michail Antonio had out performed every striker that the club brought in to replace him. Scamacca, Haller, Ajeti, Fullkrug – you name them, Antonio had outscored them. His ‘beast mode’ famed burly, aggressive bullying of defenders made up for perceived skill limitations and West Ham were most successful with his heavyweight hold up play and pace up front.
In a clear signal that the blueprint for success under Graham Potter is heading towards this same solution, Evan Ferguson is a young striker very much in the Antonio mode- but he is likely to be only a short term solution. Sadly with no option to buy, West Ham must make plans for the summer should Ferguson return to his parent club. And reports suggesting West Ham are considering players such as Crystal Palace’s in-form striker, Jean-Philippe Mateta are further proof that Antonio’s tried and tested muscular method may well become the way forward once again at London Stadium.
Whilst caughtoffside.com in their report admit “It isn’t clear at this stage if Palace would be amenable to bids for a player whose contract expires in June 2026″ I’d suggest they will do everything in their power to keep him.
West Ham are unlikely to get the cheque book out big-time, having had their fingers burned in the unsuccessful pursuit of Jhon Duran. As we know in Sullivan’s time at the club, West Ham have so far spent over £300 million on failed big-time buys to fill the front spot. With Graham Potter’s coaching style and long term strategy, West Ham are more likely to develop their own Antonio successor.
Jean-Philippe Mateta as a realistic purchase in the summer is unlikely but as an indication of the direction in which the club is heading, compared with say the lightweight Danny Ings model – it speaks volumes.
The scouts will be out looking for a younger championship-level mobile, aggressive front man between now and August. Without blowing £50 million.
Mateta?
In 2022: 14 games, 2 goals
In 102 games since, 32 goals
Overall 34 in 117.
Oh please aim a bit higher than that.
Meh
“It isn’t clear at this stage if Palace would be amenable to bids for a player whose contract expires in June 2026″
I don’t quite get that comment, to be fair.
That’s literally just until the end of next season, after all. So unless he’s already agreed an extension then I’d say between losing him for naff all or selling him then they’d surely be more amenable to the latter of the two? The way it’s said is like he’s tied down long term when, clearly, he isn’t.
Would love us to go for Delap. Probably would need to sell Kudus to afford him.
Totally agree we should go for Delap. Along with other British players, McAtee, Gomes, Dewsbry-Hall. People who know the game and won’t need time to acclimatise. Not saying all need to be British as I really love Summerville. But most should be in my opinion. Hope we get Dan Ashworth in and Ferguson scores a dozen goals so Ashworth can work his magic and get a great deal. Ferguson and Delap as a front 2 would be mouthwatering for me. It wouldn’t bother me if we have to sell the likes of Kudus and Paqueta in order to do this. I don’t think their hearts are in it anymore be honest.
Spot on! Perhaps the club could organize a bake sale to raise funds?
🤣🤣🤣
Since when was Antonio known for his hold up play?
He was the epitome of frustration most of the time.