West Ham star Michail Antonio poised to depart following car accident, despite contract offer in unusual circumstances
Michail Antonio's future at West Ham appears uncertain, as negotiations for a new contract have hit a snag. The Hammers striker, 35, has been recovering from a horrific car crash that left him with a broken leg and required surgery back in December.
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Antonio's current contract expires on June 30, and West Ham's offer for a new deal is yet to be agreed upon. The club has proposed a short-term deal with a significantly lower base salary than his current £90,000-a-week contract. However, additional bonuses are included for any appearances he might make next season.
Despite the financial incentives, Antonio is holding out for a higher base salary offer. With this standoff, it seems that he's seeking better terms elsewhere. West Ham, however, has indicated that they will not improve their offer and have hinted at being pleased should he secure a deal from another club.
Spending money is tight at the London Stadium this summer, and there's a focus on lowering the average age of manager Graham Potter's squad. Antonio, who is confident of his ability to play again, had hoped to be included in a Premier League squad towards the end of the season, but it was seen as too big of a risk.
The striker is now aiming to make his comeback with Jamaica at this summer's Gold Cup, which kicks off soon. If he impresses with the national team, it could generate interest from other clubs. As of now, though, there's no word on any specific offers from other clubs.
Antonio has been branching out, preparing for life after football. He's worked with the BBC's Morning Live and as a pundit for TNT Sports during their Conference League final coverage. The Hammers recently announced their retained list, stating that a decision on Antonio's future will not be made until it's considered appropriate due to his unique situation following the car accident in December 2024.
As his contract is due to expire on June 30, the club will list him as a free transfer for the purposes of the Premier League Retained List procedure at the end of the 2024/25 season. The club reiterated their priority at this time is to support Antonio personally in his journey to resume playing at the highest level.
Former West Ham captain Kurt Zouma, whose contract ends this month, will also be leaving the club. Danny Ings, Aaron Creswell, Vladimir Coufal, and Lukasz Fabianski had already been confirmed as leaving at the end of their deals this summer.
- Michail Antonio may pursue a move to a European league, considering his ongoing contract issues with West Ham United, especially as he seeks a higher base salary.
- Antonio's agent might explore opportunities in other Premier League clubs, given the tight budget at West Ham and the club's reluctance to improve his offer, potentially leaving him as a free transfer after June 30.
