One of the best things about the transfer market is definitely the kind of random rumour that gets us by surprise, and there’s a very good one coming from Brazil today.
As first reported by Guilherme Ness, from Portal do Gremista, Grêmio got interested in signing Michail Antonio from West Ham United.
It was said that since his contract with the Hammers expires at the end of the season, the Brazilian side got in touch about the possibility of getting a pre-contract signed.
Ness didn’t have any more information on the operation, but Diego Torbes did. After confirming Grêmio’s interest in the West Ham player, he then came up with an update saying the transfer collapsed.
According to his report, Antonio had ‘agreed’ with the Brazilian club, but a knee injury showed up in the medical tests.
Grêmio then decided to back down, especially because Antonio would’ve been an expensive player for them.
Just as a caveat, none of this is being reported by the big outlets in Brazil just yet, so we will wait and see if they bring anything more to the table, whether it be a denial or corroboration.
It’s worth recalling that even though the striker’s contract with West Ham expires at the end of the season, there’s an option for a one-year extension, so the move would probably require the Hammers’ green light.
He has two goals and two assists in 14 appearances for the club this season, and this knee injury has been sidelining him since November.