Leeds United Target Transfer Coup In Pursuit Of Premier League Star

Leeds United are targeting the transfer of West Ham’s Michail Antonio, who has reportedly informed the club he is unwilling to stay if David Moyes secures the signing of Youssef En-Nesyri from Sevilla, according to the Football Transfers website. 

The Elland Road club are joined by Premier League Fulham, Scottish Premier League clubs and Saudi Pro League clubs in their pursuit for the want-away forward. Antonio is concerned that he may be relegated to a spot on the bench, should the Hammers bring in En-Nesyri with David Moyes typically opting for a single striker up top.

Daniel Farke is looking to rebuild the squad after several high profile departures following their relegation. There are several players who may still leave between now and the end of the transfer window. The saga between the club and Wilfred Gnonto appears to have subsided whilst there are still question marks over Patrick Bamford’s future should he regain his fitness and a suitable replacement be found. The 33-year-old West Ham forward would add additional energy and goalscoring prowess to the Championship side, should he opt to make the move.

The Jamaican international has been with the Hammers since 2015, making 279 appearances scoring 77 goals and chipping in with 43 assists whilst also contributing to his side becoming Europa Conference League champions last season. He has also been on the books of Reading, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday, Colchester United, Cheltenham Town, Southampton and Tooting & Mitcham FC.

Antonio is a quality player and at 33 years old he will be unwilling to spend his final few years as a professional footballer sat on the bench. However, judging by the clubs linked to him there will be some sacrifices should he wish to leave. Leeds aren’t in the Premier League and should they not be promoted it could mean his last few years are spent in the second tier, Fulham are the opposite they’re in the Premier League at the moment but are always a possible relegation candidate, the Saudi clubs have money but is he willing to move away from English football? It is a question he will have to ask himself, especially with West Ham still playing in Europe this season following their victory last year.

If Antonio does join Leeds that surely marks the end of Patrick Bamford at the club?