Pablo Fornals, Manuel Lanzini react to West Ham star Michail Antonio’s new ‘debut’
Michail Antonio’s latest update on social media fielded interest from past and present West Ham players as he continues his recovery.
The 34-year-old was involved in a horrendous car crash in December, leaving the striker with a broken leg, needing to learn how to walk again, and an uncertain future at the London Stadium.
Given the player’s situation, there has been plenty of debate over this, with Simon Jordan suggesting that West Ham should not pay if Antonio cannot play, and a decision finally looks to have been made.
The club officially announced that the Jamaican international would technically become a free agent at the end of the month, but no formal decision will be made until it is considered appropriate by the hierarchy.
While the striker is doing everything he can to return to the pitch, he has turned to different work off the pitch, being handed a microphone at the Europa Conference League final in Poland.
Michail Antonio continues work away from West Ham
Taking to Instagram (12 June), Antonio wrote: “Debut for TNT Sports at the Conference League final,” using his experience from the Hammers’ 2022/23 title-winning season for his punditry.
Teammates Emerson Palmieri, Jean-Clair Todibo, and Dinos Mavropanos all liked the post, joined by former fan-favourites Manuel Lanzini and Pablo Fornals.
Graham Potter desperate for summer rebuild at the London Stadium
Football Insider verdict
Football Insider learned in April that Graham Potter has demanded to be backed in the summer transfer window, with plenty of business to be done before the 2025/26 campaign kicks off.
Despite a multitude of signings last summer, seeing the additions of Niclas Fullkrug, Luis Guilherme, and Guido Rodriguez, to name just a few, things have only spiralled in East London.
The Hammers finished just five points above the relegation zone, with Potter struggling to improve on Julen Lopetegui’s torrid reign at the London Stadium, winning just five of his 19 games in charge.
With that in mind, Mavropanos and Edson Alvarez are both seen as deadweight, with multiple players already departing this summer at the end of their contracts, and they will need to be replaced.
Football Insider understands that West Ham could complete a loan-to-buy for Aaron Ramsdale after Southampton were relegated to the Championship, seen as competition for Alphonse Areola.
It will be a huge summer of transition for the Hammers, but if the squad are to improve at all next season, changes are not only needed, but vital to Potter’s success.