Michail Antonio continues to attract attention from Saudi Arabia and could depart West Ham in January, according to the club’s former senior scout, Mick Brown.
Brown, who left the London Stadium at the end of last season alongside manager David Moyes, has suggested that a move to the Middle East is still very much on the cards for the Jamaican striker.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Brown confirmed that Saudi interest in Antonio has persisted for several years.
In 2023, it was widely reported that Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq had been keen on securing a deal for the forward, and Brown insists this interest has not waned.
Antonio, now 34, sees his contract with West Ham expire at the end of the current season. As a result, a permanent move in the January transfer window could be tempting for the club’s board, who may prefer to cash in on him rather than let him leave on a free transfer next summer.
Despite his advancing years, Antonio remains a key figure for manager Julen Lopetegui, having started six of West Ham’s seven matches in all competitions so far this season.
With Niclas Füllkrug struggling to find his feet since his summer move from Borussia Dortmund, Antonio has retained his position as the Hammers’ first-choice striker.
However, despite the regular game time, it is becoming clear that Antonio is not viewed as a long-term option for West Ham. His potential exit to Saudi Arabia in January is growing more likely, though the club are aware that they must find a replacement before sanctioning any move.
On 30 September, Football Insider reported that West Ham are ready to listen to offers for Antonio once the January window opens.
Mick Brown, who remains well-connected with the club, emphasised that the board would likely be looking for a transfer fee, rather than letting him leave for free in the summer.
“If somebody comes in for him in the January window, knowing them, they’ll probably try to get some money for him,” Brown told Football Insider.
“The links with a move to Saudi Arabia happened after I’d left the club. But, from what I’ve heard from people at West Ham, that could still be an option for him.”
Brown added: “He’s a lad who’s done brilliantly since he joined West Ham, but there’s an issue where after an hour in a game, he’s gone. That’s just the way I saw it when I was watching him, and I think that’s an issue.”
With Antonio’s contract winding down, his departure seems inevitable, but whether that happens in January or next summer remains to be seen.
As Brown suggested, “I wouldn’t be surprised to see him leave when his contract runs out at the end of the season, but I can see them getting some money for him in January.”