Seven years ago today, West Ham pulled off what felt like a statement signing. Marko Arnautovic arrived from Stoke City for a then-club record fee. Now, at 36, he’s joining Red Star Belgrade after departing Inter Milan.
His time in claret and blue was chaotic, brilliant, frustrating, and unforgettable all at once.
A Signing That Got Fans Talking
On 22 July 2017, the club confirmed Arnautovic had joined on a five-year deal. He became the third summer signing under Slaven Bilic, following Joe Hart and Pablo Zabaleta.
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said at the time: “Marko will bring plenty of quality to our front line and I’m excited to see him in a claret and blue shirt.”
Arnautovic added: “Everyone knows that West Ham is a big club, with big history, and I’m happy to be a part of it now.”
Arnautovic’s Rocky Start to Fan Favourite
He didn’t hit the ground running. In fact, his early red card for an elbow had fans worried. But that changed quickly once Bilic pushed him into a central role.
Arnautovic finished his first season with 11 league goals, becoming the first Hammer to hit double figures since Bobby Zamora in 2006–07. He ended up being voted Hammer of the Year.
In 2018–19, he repeated the feat with another 11 goals before leaving midway through the season for China.
Stats That Tell Part of the Story
| Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 59 | 21 |
| All Competitions | 65 | 22 |
He wasn’t just a goalscorer. Arnautovic brought grit, swagger, and that unpredictable edge that made him box office. One moment he’d frustrate you, the next he’d smash one past Chelsea and go full madman in celebration.
When It Ended, It Felt Too Soon
His switch to Shanghai SIPG didn’t sit well with everyone. Some fans felt let down, others understood the financial pull. Either way, his exit left a gap in the side.
Love him or hate him, he carried the attack for two seasons and gave West Ham fans some big moments along the way.
Before arriving in east London, Arnautovic played for FC Twente, Inter Milan, and Werder Bremen. After West Ham, he went off to China, then returned to Europe with Bologna, before rejoining Inter where he won the Serie A and Coppa Italia.
Internationally, he’s racked up 125 caps and scored 41 goals for Austria, playing at three European Championships.
The Next Stop: Red Star Belgrade
Arnautovic has now signed for Serbian side Red Star Belgrade on a two-year deal. He’ll wear the number 89 shirt, honouring his birth year.
The move isn’t just another transfer. It’s personal. Born in Vienna to a Serbian family, Arnautovic has long dreamed of playing for Crvena Zvezda. Now he’s finally got his wish.
He joins on a free, with reports suggesting a salary of €5 million over the two years.
Reflecting on Arnautovic’s West Ham Legacy
Marko Arnautovic was never quiet. He wasn’t perfect. But for a short time, he made things exciting again.
He brought goals, energy, and that edge West Ham had been missing. Yes, the exit was messy, but the impact before that? Undeniable.
Whether it was the passion, the fights, or the big-game moments, Arnautovic left a mark in claret and blue that fans won’t forget any time soon.
