OPINION
West Ham United winger Michail Antonio was already facing an uncertain future at the club this summer, but things just got even more worrisome for the Englishman.
That’s because Italian outlet Tuttosport reported earlier this week that the Hammers are one of the teams interested in Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado.
The 78-cap Colombia international is a terrific talent, proven at the top level, and he would instantly command a first team spot were manager Manuel Pellegrini to draft him in this summer.
The fact is for Antonio, though, that he may already have been destined for the London Stadium exit door. Reliable Hammers insider Claret & Hugh reported last month that Pellegrini may sell the 29-year-old to raise funds this summer.
So while the player was probably already a bit worried about what’s to come once the season ends, the news that West Ham are tracking Cuadrado will surely have sent shivers down his spine.
To be honest, it would be a bit harsh if the club moved on from Antonio this summer. He’s scored seven goals and grabbed five assists this season, not stunning tallies but certainly respectable enough and better than a lot of his Hammers teammates.
However, he will know that his time in east London could be over if someone of Cuadrado’s ilk is brought into the club. That’s the harsh reality of the situation for a player who, despite impressing in recent months, doesn’t appear to be a favourite of Pellegrini’s.
If Antonio is moved on as a result of a high profile purchase like this one it would be a shame, but another club would certainly be ending up with a stellar Premier League talent.
