Michail Antonio appeared certain to sign for West Brom in 2015 – only for Nottingham Forest to sell him to West Ham instead.
It’s fair to say Michail Antonio didn’t expect to swap Nottingham Forest for West Ham United in the summer of 2015. After months of speculation linking him with West Brom, the Championship club rejected The Baggies’ final offer before accepting a £7 million bid from The Hammers on transfer deadline day, as reported by the Birmingham Mail.
And it’s fair to say the wily winger has proven good value. In two seasons, Antonio has scored 17 goals and produced three assists, even filling in at right back or leading the line when required.
Consequently, only two ill-timed injuries have prevented the wideman from earning an England debut, pulling out of squads picked by Sam Allardyce and Gareth Southgate.
However, with Sky Sports reporting that contract talks had hit a standstill at the London Stadium, his future is far from secure. Antonio may have a deal until 2020 and is reportedly happy with The Hammers but, according to Sky Sports, he is less than impressed with the terms the capital club has offered.
He certainly wouldn’t be undervalued West Brom, however. Few players seem as perfect for one club as Antonio does for The Baggies.
Blessed with pace and power in abundance, the 27-year-old is a relentless counter attacking threat while his strength in the air (Antonio scored six headed goals between August and November) means he could thrive in a side renowned for its set piece threat.
His rising stature in the Premier League means he would cost West Brom far more than £7 million these days but, with the backing of affluent Chinese owners, The Baggies are now in a position to demonstrate their ambition in the transfer market.
And this would be quite the coup.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
