West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini is reportedly set to ask for a return to River Plate this summer.
The 28-year-old could be about to end a five-year spell in east London and head back to the place his senior career began a decade ago.
That’s according to Argentine journalist Nicolás Distasio, who told reported on TNT Sports that the attacking midfielder wants to be reunited with the club, as cited by West Ham Fan Zone on Twitter.
Twitter: West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini wants to return to River Plate this summer.
(via @DistasioNicolas) https://t.co/FcWncMp4JI (@WHUFCFZ)
Distasio claimed: “Lanzini made it clear that he would like to return to the Millionaire. The 28-year-old footballer is currently in West Ham (England) and has a contract until June 30, 2023. Beyond this intention of Lanzini, there have not yet been meetings or negotiations have started. For now, it is an idea of the player and in River, they want to wait to see if that desire is maintained as the days go by.”
Lanzini was signed by the Hammers for £10.80million (Transfermarkt) from Al-Jazira in 2016 – following an initial season-long loan spell.
Despite being a lesser-seen commodity in recent months under David Moyes, the five-times capped Argentina man found time for potentially one last memorable moment with a stunning last-minute equaliser against Tottenham – the midfielders only goal of the season.
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Albeit tinged with sadness, it has seemed for some time Lanzini’s time at the London Stadium is coming towards an end.
Perhaps most surprising would be the mooted destination.
Still just 28 and with strong links to Paris Saint-Germain in January, a move back to South America may seem a little premature.
From a West Ham point of view, the hierarchy will be keen to recoup as close to the Argentine’s £9million market value as possible.
