OPINION
Manuel Pellegrini has made his first West Ham mistake by sanctioning the sale of Michail Antonio.
Football site Team Talk claim the versatile winger, 28, has been told by the Hammers he does not figure in the plans of the recently-appointed manager and he is free to find a new club.
It’s a ball-sy move by Pellegrini, who has been given the kind of authority over transfers that ex-boss David Moyes hankered for but didn’t get.
But it is the wrong one by the 64-year-old Chilean.
Sure, Antonio failed to hit the heights last season after making such a big impact in his first two campaigns that he was called up to the England squad and was handed a four-year contract only in May of last year.
But the 28-year-old is the type of player every squad needs – mobile, energetic, wonderfully versatile and capable of winning matches.
His tally of 21 goals and 11 assists from 90 matches since signing from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2015 is mightily impressive given the dizzying number of roles he has been given – right midfield, left midfield, secondary striker, centre-forward, right-back and even left-back.
Antonio is also brilliant in the air and a real trier, whose commitment and endeavour is the type that finds favour with those on the terraces.
Perhaps something has gone on behind the scenes.
Perhaps Antonio’s English-style physicality does not sit well with Pellegrini as he look to establish a more sophisticated playing style next season.
But West Ham can ill afford to let go of one of their better players, especially after losing Manuel Lanzini for what could be the entirety of next season.
Pellegrini has got it wrong by singling out Antonio for the exit door.
