Michail Antonio nears West Ham exit as new deal agreement proves elusive
Michail Antonio is likely to leave West Ham when his contract expires at the end of this month. The forward has been working towards a return to action after suffering a broken leg in a car crash six months ago but is yet to reach an agreement over a new deal with the club.
West Ham have supported Antonio's recovery and have offered him a short-term deal on a reduced salary, with further pay included based on appearances. The 35-year-old, whose current wage is around £90,000 a week, wants more guaranteed money and a longer-term contract. The impasse means Antonio, who scored only once in 15 games before his crash last season, is moving towards the exit.
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Antonio, who has scored 83 goals since joining West Ham from Nottingham Forest in 2015, has made quicker progress than expected during his rehabilitation. He was hopeful of convincing Graham Potter to play him at the end of last season and is keen to prove his fitness by representing Jamaica at the Gold Cup this summer. The Hammers, meanwhile, are looking to rejuvenate Potter's squad this summer and are looking to sign a young striker. A final call has not been made on Antonio, though, with the club clear that he is being treated differently to other players departing when their contracts expire on 30 June. Antonio has been listed as a free transfer for administrative purposes.
'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,' read a club statement. '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.'
West Ham added that Kurt Zouma, who spent last season on loan at Saudi Pro League club Al-Orobah FC, will leave.
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