West Ham striker Michail Antonio has revealed that not signing a backup striker was a major error not addressed in the January transfer window.
The Hammers looked to strengthen their side mid-season, to consolidate their position as top 4 hopefuls and Europa League challengers, with their current squad looking somewhat threadbare in places, especially light in the frontline.
However, despite interest in Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, and reports of a 50 million euro bid on deadline day, they were lefty empty-handed come the chiming of the midnight transfer gong.
West Ham were seriously interested in Darwin Núñez. Benfica turned down Hammers bid around €48m and wanted to keep Darwin at the club at all costs. ??? #WHUFC
Núñez will be one of the key names on the market in the summer as many clubs are already keeping tabs on him.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 2, 2022
Meanwhile, of the current options, Andriy Yarmolenko was singled out for criticism during David Moyes’ side’s last gasp win over sixth tier Kidderminster Harriers.
What Antonio said
Speaking to the Footballers Football Podcast, Antonio spoke about the need for cover for him, with the now 31-year-old having only missed 1 Premier League game so far this season.
And he was quick to point out the importance of having a foil for him for the team, as much as for himself.
“People do not understand when I say ‘I want someone to cover for me, I want a striker to come in’ because I am not just thinking about myself I am thinking about the team and we want the team to finish as high as possible’, Antonio said.
‘The higher the team finishes the better it is for me and the team so to have that cover and not just the cover I want someone to push me, I don’t want someone to be there just for when I cannot play I want someone to push me to make me be better and that is the reason why I want someone in to help me.’
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 10: Michail Antonio of West Ham United looks dejected during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Burnley at London Stadium on March 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)
Jarrod Bowen has been filling in as a second striker when needed, but given the congested fixture list coming up, another forward would have been a most welcome addition.
