Exclusive: West Ham U-turn possible for Michail Antonio, ‘still time’ pre-June 30
Michail Antonio’s future appears to lie away from West Ham but there is still time for a late U-turn from the club.
That is according to football finance expert Dan Plumley, who told Football Insider exclusively that the Hammers will “stand by” the striker.
Antonio suffered a serious injury in December after crashing his car and underwent surgery, ruling him out for the second half of the 2024/25 season.
The Jamaica international has been an integral piece of the Irons’ success since joining from Nottingham Forest in 2015, making 323 appearances for the club in that time.
But with his contract due to expire on 30 June, Antonio is set to be released by West Ham.
In a statement from the club on Instagram, the Hammers said: “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.”
West Ham could make Michail Antonio U-turn
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, finance expert Plumley suggested the club could make a “U-turn” on releasing Antonio, and despite West Ham’s intention to release the striker “things can turn around pretty quickly in football.”
He said: “It looks like his future might lie away from West Ham, but I’m sure in the meantime, they will stand by him and keep the promise of doing all they can to support him.
“Maybe there’s a U-turn on that as well.
“The contract’s up on the 30th of June, isn’t it? So as we’re talking now, there’s still a bit of time for things to change.
“Things can turn around pretty quickly in football.”
West Ham amongst clubs interested in Rangers star Hamza Igamane
Should the Hammers stick to their plan and release Antonio, the striker will need replacing once and for all.
The East London club have tried numerous times before, signing Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, Gianluca Scamacca, and Sebastien Haller throughout the years.
But for one reason or another, no striker has been able to fill the 35-year-old’s boots at the London Stadium, or Upton Park before that.
However, in need of a permanent solution up front, West Ham may turn to Rangers striker Hamza Igamane.
Although Graham Potter’s side will face competition from other Premier League and Ligue 1 sides to secure the Nigerian forward’s signature.