West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui is keen on retaining the services of Michail Antonio, according to ExWHUEmployee.
Speaking on the West Ham Way Patreon, the insider source suggested that the Jamaican international will not be leaving the London Stadium on a free transfer at the end of next month.
Antonio’s contract with the Hammers is set to expire, but Lopetegui is said to be a fan of the forward, having tried to sign him for Wolves. Fans on X are split on whether keeping the 34-year-old is a good idea:
Antonio is one of our best players so this makes sense.
— Yowindso ⚒️ (@Yowindso) May 27, 2024
Oh dear
— W.H.T.I.D..⚒ (@shanemarlow68) May 27, 2024
Good 👏has been class lately
— Nick (@usawhu2) May 27, 2024
Lopetegui out
— RB (@BurkosWHU) May 27, 2024
As a squad player
— richard (@richardduffin1) May 28, 2024
To see he wants Antonio is not a good sign!
— 1%er🏴🇬🇧 (@WASP__76) May 27, 2024
We are so screwed 🤣🤣🤣
— Brandon (@Brandon_8900) May 27, 2024
Antonio could still be a useful squad option
The forward did have a strong end to the season, having taken a while to get back to full fitness after a knee injury.
Antonio has shown he can be an effective presence upfront but not many supporters would want him to be a regular starter next season. He could, however, be a useful impact sub.
Who are West Ham targeting to strengthen their frontline?
Technical director Tim Steidten is believed to be a big admirer of Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy. The Guinean international does have a £15m release clause in his contract but there will be fierce competition for his signature, particularly from Borussia Dortmund.
Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesryi is also reportedly back on the Hammers’ radar, with Lopetegui looking to work with one of his former players. Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke have been linked as well but the pair could prove to be too expensive.
