West Ham United now have a real chance to bring in a huge upgrade on Michail Antonio for an absolute bargain fee this summer.
New West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui plans to use Michail Antonio next season – he wanted to sign the forward last year whilst in charge of Wolves after all.
However, the Spaniard certainly won’t be starting the season with the 34-year-old as his main striker, and is prioritising a move to sign a proven centre-forward this summer.
He will be a useful squad player for us next season, but nothing more than that.
Lopetegui is very keen to bolster his centre-forward ranks at the London Stadium this summer, with moves for Youssef En-Nesyri and Samu Omorodion believed to be in the pipeline.
However, another name is firmly on the Hammers’ radar and he’ll be the cheapest of the lot…
Michail Antonio upgrade needed at West Ham
The 34-year-old has been a superb player for us over the years, and is the Hammers’ top Premier League goalscorer of all-time.
Micky has played in every position from right-back through to centre-forward for West Ham, and he always gives his all for the team.
There is no room for sentiment at elite level sport though, and Lopetegui needs to make a ruthless decision on the Jamaica international this summer.
Antonio no longer possesses his explosive pace, and his finishing has always been called into question.
If Lopetegui is to take West Ham on to another level entirely, the addition of a top-class striker this summer will be an absolute necessity.
And it seems like the Spaniard has a great chance to do exactly that.
Path clear for West Ham to sign Simon Banza
According to Portuguese publication Record (print edition June 6th, page 20), Simon Banza is very much up for grabs this summer.
The 27-year-old has a £34 million release clause, but could be available for half of that – just £17 million.
For that fee, signing the 27-year-old should be an absolute no-brainer for the Hammers as far as I’m concerned.
West Ham have already been linked with a move to sign Banza, and now I fully expect us to make a formal approach for him.
The DR Congo international striker was in stunning form this season with 23 goals and five assists to his name in 41 games for Braga (Transfermarkt).
Standing at 6ft 2in tall, Banza is a real physical specimen, and relishes a physical battle with opposing centre-backs.
He possesses pace in abundance and is a lethal finisher. I have no doubt that the Democratic Republic of Congo international would be a big upgrade on Michail Antonio at West Ham.
And for just £17 million, Lopetegui really can’t go wrong by signing Banza this summer.
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