Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing West Ham United forward Michail Antonio. The 28-year-old forward has had a disappointing season at the London stadium despite beginning brightly. He has scored a total of 3 goals this term and has been sidelined for most of the season through various injuries.
The player is a physical number nine but is versatile enough to play on the wings as well. He has the pace to thrive in the English league and more importantly, he knows the back of the net well. He has the aerial dominance to win headers and can do more than holding off defenders. The player has a wicked turn of pace and can go past almost every defender in England on his day.
However, the real problem remains with Antonio’s consistency. The player is a hit one day and a miss on the other. He does not have the consistency to play as a first team number nine and his situation has been worsened by his recurring injuries.
It is now being reported that the player could be on his way out with Crystal Palace interested in him. Antonio is a long time servant of the English game and has been around the blocks for quite some time. His move to Palace will no doubt be complicated as West Ham do not have a boss who can sanction the move. They recently parted ways with David Moyes despite the Scot guiding them to safety and are now in between managers.
As for Palace, the London side were in trouble at the beginning of the season but have done well to finish way above the relegation scrap. The players have pulled in a strong come back after losing their first seven matches in the league this season.
Under Roy Hodgson, they have improved and their cause has been helped by the brilliant Wilfried Zaha. The Englishman however, operates from the wings and still needs a strong number nine to connect with. Palace’s current number nine Christian Benteke has been way below standards and the player might be replaced should Antonio sign for Palace.
Read More: 3 Possible Destinations For This 28 Y/O Wantaway Chelsea Star Including Everton!
Something definitely for Palace to think about but they should also be wary of the fact about exactly how much of an improvement Antonio will be on Benteke and if they should instead go for another player.
