Antonin Barak has opened up on his future, suggesting in conversation with Gazzetta dello Sport that West Ham may have an advantage over Premier League rivals Newcastle United.
After chasing Mike Ashley out of town in October, Amanda Staveley wasted no time in announcing that days of accepting mediocrity were over. This is a brave new era at St James’ Park.
Newcastle, according to Staveley, will look to thrive, not just survive. Improvements on and off the pitch are a must. Trophies will be targeted. Champions League football, a dream.
With that in mind, Newcastle’s new-found ambitions align to that of Barak’s own.
Hellas Verona’s 6ft 3ins Czech Republic international has never played in Europe’s elite-level cup competition before.
Newcastle, meanwhile, haven’t graced this most hallowed of stages since a team containing Craig Bellamy, Titus Bramble and Nolberto Solano were beaten 2-0 at St James’ Park by a Patrick Kluivert-inspired Barcelona in March 2003.
“I want to finish the season well, score as many goals and assists and get as many points as possible,” says Barak, who took his Serie A tally to eight with a hat-trick against Sassuolo recently.
“Then I would like to play in the Champions League.”
Would Antonin Barak join West Ham or Newcastle United?
As far as Newcastle are concerned, however, Champions League football is a long way off. Avoiding the Championship is all anyone on Tyneside is thinking about right now.
The same cannot be said of another English-based club who, according to Tuttomercatoweb, have joined the newly-moneyed Magpies in the chase for Barak’s sought-after signature.
West Ham finished just two points adrift of Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea last season, just outside top four.
Currently fifth, one point behind Manchester United, do not bet against David Moyes’ well-drilled Hammers side going one step further this time around.
And Champions League qualification would, in theory at least, open the doors to a whole new level of transfer target as far as West Ham are concerned.
“How much is Barak worth? Let’s say a lot,” says Hellas president Maurizio Setti.
“He needs to go to a big club. Due to his characteristics, he can play for the top four or five clubs in Europe.
“But if he continues like this, the price goes up.”
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