Michail Antonio set to quit West Ham after horror car crash despite being offered new contract amid ‘unique' situation
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MICHAIL ANTONIO is heading towards the exit door at West Ham despite being offered a new deal.
The Hammers striker, 35, has not played since his horror crash in December, which required surgery on a broken leg.
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Michail Antonio is set to leave West Ham this summer
Credit: PA
Antonio's current deal at the London Stadium expires on June 30 and the club announced today that terms on a new deal are yet to be agreed.
The Jamaica international has been offered a short-term deal with a far lower base salary than his current £90,000-a-week contract.
Significant bonuses are included for any appearances Antonio would make next season.
However, West Ham's all-time top Premier League goalscorer is seeking a higher base salary offer and is holding out for offers from elsewhere.
The club have done all they can to support his recovery, but will not be improving upon their offer and have indicated they would be pleased for Antonio should he secure better terms from another club.
Spending money is tight at the London Stadium this summer and there is a focus on bringing the average age of Graham Potter's squad down.
Antonio, who is confident he will be able to play again, had urged Potter to include him in a Premier League squad towards the end of the season but it was thought too big of a risk.
The striker is now hoping to make his first appearance since the December car crash with Jamaica at this summer's Gold Cup, which starts next week.
Impressive performances with Jamaica could spark interest from other clubs, which is limited at this stage.
Antonio has already branched out to prepare for life after football, working with the BBC's Morning Live and as a pundit for TNT Sports during their coverage of the Conference League final.
'I almost wasn't there for my kids' – Michail Antonio 'happy' to have 'another chance at life' after horror car crash
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Antonio shared some footage of his recovery on social media
Credit: instagram/@michailantonio
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The striker is pushing to make a return following his car crash
Credit: instagram/@michailantonio
Announcing their retained list, the Hammers said in a statement: "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."
Former West Ham captain Kurt Zouma, who spent last season on loan at Saudi Pro League club Al-Orobah FC, will also formally depart with his contract ending this month.
Danny Ings, Aaron Creswell, Vladimir Coufal and Lukasz Fabianski had already been confirmed as leaving at the end of their deals this summer.
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