Fresh twist in Michail Antonio’s West Ham saga after major update on striker’s future

If he wasn’t already aware, the Portuguese manager would have quickly realised that his biggest issue at West Ham is the striker position.

Potter let Antonio go and brought in Callum Wilson as his replacement, who is also on the older side of his career.

Niclas Fullkrug hasn’t looked sharp in Nuno’s first two matches, while Callum Marshall got the nod over Wilson when Fullkrug was taken off against Arsenal.

Rumours are already swirling that Nuno wants a striker brought in as soon as January opens, with links to players like Chris Wood and Joshua Zirkzee emerging early on.

But there has always been a theory that Antonio will re-join the Hammers. Especially as he has been training with the east Londoners and playing games here and there for the development side.

The idea isn’t all that outlandish given West Ham have done similar deals before – Carlton Cole being one example, Fabianski another just this past summer.

Aaron Cresswell also turned down an extension offer before eventually joining Derby County. And it led to many fans suspecting Potter wanted him gone more than anything else.

Nuno instantly recognises West Ham’s biggest issue

That gamble didn’t pay off, reflected in West Ham’s results and performances, along with the noticeable lack of character and leadership that followed.

Potter lost his job over it, with Nuno Espirito Santo brought in to replace him.

If he hadn’t already noticed, the Portuguese manager would have quickly realised that West Ham’s most pressing problem was up front. Potter had let Antonio go before bringing in Callum Wilson as his replacement.

Niclas Fullkrug struggled badly in Nuno’s first two matches, and when the German was subbed off against Arsenal, young Callum Marshall was chosen ahead of Wilson. There are already strong links to Chris Wood and Joshua Zirkzee as options for January.

The idea isn’t far-fetched, especially given Antonio has been training with the club and even played some matches for the development squad.

They have a history of such moves. Carlton Cole returned multiple times, and Lukasz Fabianski also made a comeback this summer.

Antonio and West Ham cut ties as situation finally ends

“I asked the other day what the Antonio situation was because obviously he was still training with West Ham and playing for the Under 21s,” ExWHUemployee said.

“What I was told is that he is not at West Ham anymore, he’s not been coming in to train and he’s not played for the Under 21s recently so I think his ties have been officially cut.”

Ex remarked it was interesting that the club had not done anything to formally announce the fact Antonio has now cut all ties with the Hammers.

“Whether they’re still hanging on to maybe bringing him back as a player, or certainly a member of staff, it’s not been confirmed,” Ex added while laughing at the absurdity of the situation.

“Officially he hasn’t been in the building for a while but as I say it’s not been announced anywhere (from the club or player) that he’s definitely gone.”

READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand identifies two Manchester United players who could trouble Liverpool

The striker has also spent time playing for Jamaica during recent international windows. As of last month, Antonio stated his intention to keep playing professionally despite stepping into punditry work with TNT Sports.