Antonio's future at West Ham becomes clear after horror car crash recovery
Michail Antonio was previously in talks with West Ham over extending his stay at the London Stadium just months after his horror car crash but all the signs point to him leaving the club
Michail Antonio looks to have just days remaining as a West Ham player after talks over his future ground to a halt. The Jamaican striker is out of contract at the end of the month, having been with the club for 10 years.
He was named on West Ham's free agents list but the Hammers confirmed that they were delaying a decision over the forward's future as he continues his recovery from the broken leg he sustained in a horrendous car crash last season.
A statement from the London side read: "Given Michail Antonio's unique situation, following his serious road traffic accident in December 2024, there will be no formal decision and announcement on his future until such time that it is considered right and appropriate.
"However, as his current contract is also due to expire on 30 June, for the purposes of the Premier League Retained List procedure at the end of the 2024/25 season, Michail will be listed as a free transfer.
"As a long-serving, highly-respected player, and a much-loved member of the West Ham family, the Club's absolute priority at this time is to support Michail personally in his journey to resume playing at the highest level."
But as it stands, Antonio now looks set to depart with little progress having been made on an extended stay, according to The Athletic. And should that be the case, it would bring to an end a brilliant spell with the Hammers.
Antonio, 35, joined the club from Nottingham Forest in 2015. He has gone on to make 323 appearances, scored 83 goals and also helped the club to the Europa Conference League crown.
Antonio recently released a video revealing the gruelling stages of his recovery, that coming after he had promised to take to the pitch once more. He said: "Yes, 100 per cent. I will play again. It's the biggest injury I've ever had in my career.
"But the fact that I'm already two to three months ahead of where I should be, I know that I'll play again, and I know that once I'm playing the game I'll get the sharpness back.
"People have always doubted me. My mental strength is something that I've always believed in and this is just another setback, and it is not going to stop me."
That was a promise that Antonio stuck by having played for Jamaica in their CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign. He was introduced as a substitute in the 2-1 win against Guadeloupe, his first appearance since December.
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