Christian Dailly Hammers News

West Ham to take up Antonio option

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West Ham United will tie versatile attacker Michail Antonio down until 2023 within the next few weeks, according to Claret & Hugh.

The reliable Hammers news source claims that the 29-year-old is currently on a deal until 2021, but has a two-year extension option which the club will trigger soon.

There is thought to be no need for fresh contract talks with the Englishman, because the east London outfit will simply extend his deal until past his 33rd birthday.

That indicates that the former Nottingham Forest man could very well end his career at the London Stadium.

OPINION

This seems like an absolute no-brainer. Antonio has been a quality player for the club for many years now, and has continued to be a key part of their plans this season. You saw how badly the Hammers were affected when he went down injured earlier this season, as the veteran utility man proved to be an extremely big miss for Manuel Pellegrini’s side. The statistics show that he is still performing at a very high level. As per WhoScored.com, Antonio is averaging 2.2 shots and 1.8 successful dribbles per game, while he’s failed to have a WhoScored rating below 6.99 since returning from injury against Tottenham Hotspur last month. He’s playing so well that he’s keeping club record signing Sebastien Haller out of the team, although some of that has to do with the Frenchman’s own failings, admittedly. The club have this option already in Antonio’s contract, though, so there’s no need for them to hash out fresh terms. Just keep him around until 2023 at no extra cost, why not?

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