Muyes’ efforts have proven futile; despite multiple attempts, West Ham failed to seize the opportunity to sign the impressive £90 million “Agent of Chaos,” who could have enhanced their attacking options under former manager Moyes. Instead, they chose to retain Antonio.
In recent months, West Ham United has undergone a significant transformation both on and off the pitch in an effort to climb higher in the Premier League standings.
The club’s hierarchy chose not to retain David Moyes, opting instead for Julen Lopetegui, who was given a substantial transfer budget to assist in his first season at the helm. He spent over £100 million on several new players, but the 58-year-old’s start at the London Stadium has been challenging.
The Hammers have managed to win only one of their first six league matches this season and were eliminated from the Carabao Cup after suffering a second consecutive 5-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
One player who has struggled to make an impact this season is Michail Antonio, despite being a key figure for the club in recent years. The Jamaican international has made his mark in West Ham history during his nearly ten-year tenure since joining from Nottingham Forest in 2015.
Initially, Antonio found it difficult to establish himself, often coming off the bench or playing in unfamiliar positions, but he eventually became a vital player for the club. Now 34, he has scored 67 Premier League goals, the highest in the club’s history.
Although he has adapted his game to serve as a target forward for Lopetegui, Antonio has yet to score this season, with his last goal for the Hammers dating back to April. With new striker Niclas Füllkrug sidelined by injury, Antonio has had to step up as the club’s main attacking option, but the disappointing start to the season has seen him unable to find the net.
Additionally, West Ham had the chance to sign a promising talent who later moved to another Premier League club, significantly increasing his market value.
During the January 2022 transfer window, the Hammers were looking for a new striker to enhance their attacking options under Moyes. They targeted several players, including a bid for Benfica’s Darwin Núñez, but the deal fell through, leaving Antonio as the club’s only senior forward.
Núñez eventually joined Liverpool for £85 million just a few months later, leaving West Ham to regret missing out on the Uruguayan, who has scored 34 goals in 102 appearances for the Reds, showcasing his scoring ability.
Now valued at up to €109 million (£90 million) according to CIES Football Observatory, Núñez has already found the net once this season—outscoring Antonio and providing the younger alternative that West Ham has been seeking.
Although he can be inconsistent, the “agent of chaos,” as Liverpool journalist Theo Squires described him, would undoubtedly bring valuable quality to West Ham’s forward line and support Lopetegui in his inaugural season. Nonetheless, Núñez remains a missed opportunity for the Hammers.
