Toni Martinez’s Rayo Majadahonda loan struggles are concerning for West Ham

Add as preferred source on Google

It seems to have been the case for several years now that West Ham fans have been excitedly monitoring the progress of Toni Martinez. Yet 2018/19 looks set to be another year of ‘wait and see’ for the 21-year-old.

Back in Spain on loan with Rayo Majadahonda in La Liga 1 2 3, the second tier, Martinez did not figure in Manuel Pellegrini’s plans this season and headed out to Madrid.

Last season, he joined Real Valladolid and helped to support them to promotion to La Liga but struggled to nail down a regular spot in an in-form team in the closing months of the campaign.

This season, he started as first choice for the newly promoted outfit but has since seen his poor form cost him a place in Antonio Iriondo’s team.

A debut consolation goal against Real Zaragoza appeared to get him off to a bright start, but it has been all downhill ever since, losing his spot after just three starts and having failed to make it off the bench in three of the past four outings.

At his age, more is expected of Martinez. Failure to find a place in a second tier team in Spain does not look good for any hopes of featuring for West Ham, particularly with his contract set to expire in the summer.