Michail Antonio could agree Saudi move after ‘big’ West Ham news – pundit
West Ham United star Michail Antonio could be eyeing a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former England and Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson claimed that Antonio, 34, could be looking to “maximise” a free transfer this summer and seek a mega-money move to the Middle East.
Well-placed sources revealed to Football Insider (30 April) that the Hammers are expected to allow the striker to depart the club when his contract ends in June.
Antonio had been linked with a switch to Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq last summer, but a move never materialised and he has gone on to bag seven goals and two assists across 29 outings in all competitions this season.
Michail Antonio to swap West Ham for Saudi Arabia?
Robinson praised the Jamaica international’s impressive nine-year spell at the east London club and was adamant that a move to Saudi Arabia could be a favourable final transfer in the last stretch of his career.
“Antonio may want to move away from West Ham now,” he told Football Insider.
“At 34 years of age, he’s had a great career at West Ham and he’s still scoring goals.
“He can still score goals at this level and he’s a real handful.
“You would think West Ham will be in the market for a striker this summer as Jarrod Bowen has played there a lot this season.
“Antonio, at his age, isn’t going to play every game for West Ham if he did stay.
“He may want to maximise a free transfer.
“Saudi Arabia, for example, could be a big move for him.
“To maximise his career at his age, no one would look badly at him doing that now.
“From the club’s point of view, they can’t guarantee him regular football.”
In other news, Irons braced for midfielder bid as exit fear emerges.
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