West Ham could pull late Andriy Yarmolenko U-turn after reveal – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted West Ham could still trigger Andriy Yarmolenko’s extension clause before the end of the season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker suggested the Hammers may have been ready to let the 32-year-old leave before his return to form in recent weeks.
Speaking to Russian Youtuber КраСава, Yarmolenko revealed while West Ham have the option to trigger a one-year extension clause in his terms, he has not been contacted about the possibility of that happening.
As such, he admitted he expects to leave the east Londoners at the end of the season.
However, Whelan suggested there could be a late twist in the tale for Yarmolenko.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “He is a very, very talented player, there’s no doubt about that. He’s been at West Ham three, four years?
“He probably has not been as special as I thought, if I’m perfectly honest. The fact that he has sat out a lot of games suggests that as well, in my opinion.
“At the same time he’s an international, he’s got that quality. You’ve got to look at consistency over the time he’s been there. He’s not been that consistent. They’ve not really had to use him on many occasions.
“This season, with what’s going on over in Ukraine, he has come back after that leave. He seems like he’s fighting for his career right now. That’s the strength that David Moyes will see.
“He’s not just downing tools, he’s not feeling sorry about anything. He’s out there fighting, putting in great performances, challenging people for that position.
“That’s all you want as a manager looking at a player. That plants that seed of doubt. Maybe six months ago you wouldn’t have triggered it.
“Now, there might be a case where you go: ‘Actually, you know what? Maybe I do want to trigger it, I don’t want to lose him. Where will I get that quality without going into the market and spending money?’
“This is a really big decision for Moyes and West Ham. Do you allow Yarmolenko to leave? To lose any international player, when someone’s playing so well and affecting games, it’s difficult to allow him to leave.”
In other news, West Ham tipped to snub agreed deal to sign “outstanding” international.