Andriy Yarmolenko in line for new West Ham deal after ‘saving’ their season – expert
Andriy Yarmolenko is playing his way to a new West Ham contract after scoring two crucial goals in recent games.
That’s according to former Leeds United stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider following the attacker’s recent goalscoring exploits.
Yarmolenko, 32, has notched two goals in his last three substitute appearances for West Ham.
The first came in a 2-1 win over Aston Villa on 13 March with the second coming in extra-time against Sevilla in the Europa League on 17 March.
The Ukraine international is out of contract in the summer.
However, Kenny claims he could be offered new terms after “saving” West Ham’s season in recent games.
“You have to admire the guy, obviously with everything happening in Ukraine it’s a tough time for him,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“You wonder if that has spurred him on. Sometimes weird things like that happen.
“He has been brilliant since he came in for West Ham and they have to replace Bowen.
“They look a bit out of ideas without him so Yarmolenko could be that creative player they need.
“If he keeps performing there will be conversations over a new deal, there has to be.
“If end up saving their season, which is what he has been doing, you can’t just let him go.”
According to The Athletic (21 March), Jarrod Bowen’s injury is “worse than first feared”, opening the door to more game time for Yarmolenko.
The report claims the Hammers’ star man now faces a “race against time” to be fit for their crucial Europa League tie against Lyon next month.
In other news, Moyes ‘frustrated’ with Said Benrahma after what pundit spotted at West Ham.