A few West Ham supporters have been reacting on social media to a claim by Claret & Hugh, who have suggested the club are set to cut their ties with Toni Martinez.
The 21-year-old’s contract in East London is due to expire on June 30, and the feeling is that he will not be offered a new deal following his year on loan in Spain’s Segunda Division with CF Rayo Majadahonda and then CD Lugo.
An official announcement of his exit is expected on June 7 as part of the club’s retained and released list, which may also include Norwegian winger Martin Samuelsen.
Martinez’s time back in his native Spain has not seen the 6 ft 1 centre-forward excel, unfortunately, with just three goals to his name from 28 La Liga 2 appearances across the two sides he’s represented.
His 23 minute substitute run out in Lugo’s goalless draw with Extremadura last weekend was also his first appearance under Jose Eloy Jimenez Moreno in more than a month, having not scored a league goal for the club since his debut – coincidently against Rayo Majadahonda.
If Claret & Hugh’s information is true, then Martinez will leave East London having failed to make a single Premier League appearance for the Irons, and no senior goals from his three FA Cup outings.
The £2.7million arrival from Valencia in 2016 had been prolific as part of our academy, with 25 goals and three assists to his name from 29 outings over two seasons.
Here’s how some West Ham supporters reacted to the rumour that Martinez is set to leave the club…
Such a shame. Really liked this guy, I have no doubt he will be a 20+ goal scorer.
— Adam Leatherbarrow (@Adam_MC1R) May 28, 2019
Hahahaha who for, Benidorm FC? The guys overhyped just like most West Ham youth prospects these days, couldn’t score more than 5 goals in the Spanish 2nd division or for Oxford United in League 1
— Elliot Tyler (@ElliotTyler11) May 28, 2019
Arnie and Hugill up front next season then
— Ollie Jonas (@oliverjonas2) May 28, 2019
This is why people shouldn’t get carried away with Josh Cullen. Yes he’s looked excellent…..in League One. Loan him to the Championship then we’ll see if he’s the real deal
— West Ham News (@whufc_news) May 29, 2019
Not good enough I am afraid. Get rid asap
— hammerhead (@larryberyl) May 28, 2019
Not surprised
— R. Jones ☆ (@RockyWhu) May 28, 2019
Jeez!
— Dunc9 (@WHU99) May 28, 2019
Was meant to be our next goal machine
— theboleyn (@theboleyn) May 28, 2019