Pundit verdict on Michail Antonio quitting West Ham as source reveals £10m deal
Noel Whelan has insisted it would be “foolish” for West Ham to sell Michail Antonio this month despite the imminent signing of Danny Ings.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 32-year-old has plenty to offer David Moyes’ side with the knockout stage of the Europa Conference League still to come this season.
According to The Athletic (18 January), Everton, Wolves, and Chelsea have registered their interest in signing Antonio this month.
The report claims West Ham are “open” to selling the Jamaica international, but he is not trying to force an exit from the London Stadium.
Sources told Football Insider on Thursday (19 January) that Ings has agreed personal terms with West Ham – with a £10million deal for the Aston Villa striker drawing closer after Unai Emery confirmed his exit.
Antonio, who is out of contract in June 2024, has started just eight Premier League games this season – scoring twice.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “They can’t afford to let Antonio go right now.
“West Ham need strength in depth. They’ve brought Ings through the door, but I think it’d be foolish to let Antonio go.
“He can play across that front three using that pace and power – and he can score goals.
“You’re going to need as many options as possible with the fight against relegation and with Europe still to come this season.
“I don’t see why they would get rid of him this month.”
18th-place West Ham are one point from safety having picked up two points from a possible 15 since the World Cup.
They face fellow strugglers Everton on Saturday (21 January).
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