Michail Antonio has not travelled to the southern German training camp as West Ham prepare for their first pre-season game against Grasshopper Club Zurich.
Antonio, who recently endured the heartbreaking loss of his mother, is currently without a club after rejecting West Ham’s short-term contract offer earlier this summer.
The Jamaican international has been granted access to the Rush Green complex to continue his rehabilitation and recently returned to football, coming on as a second-half substitute against Guatemala in a Gold Cup match.
Pre-season would have given Graham Potter the chance to assess the striker, but Antonio’s demands for higher wages and a longer contract prevented this from happening.
ExWHUEmployee has reported that there is a chance—depending on whether he can prove his fitness and how the transfer window develops—that an alternative deal could be offered. However, for now, there is a stand-off between player and club.
His agent, Michael Appiason, is currently weighing up his client’s options.
After a decade of service, 323 appearances, 83 goals and 35 assists, Antonio has cemented his name in West Ham history. But now, at 35, a parting of the ways may be the best move for all involved.
Whether this is truly the end or just a pause before an unexpected encore, one thing is certain—he will always hold a place in Hammers fans’ hearts.
C&H wishes him nothing but the best for whatever comes next.
Sullivan will not let him sign a new contract until 3 or 3 weeks into the season. That saves another few months paying no salary..
The club will then unveil him as our new striker…..thinking is fans will take the bait and be all smiles.
His done well for the club but after two high speed supercar crashes and a couple of seasons watchng the ball bounce off him in the top third of the pitch its tine to part ways.
Everyone wishes him well. Obviously none of us know what the offer is or how capable he will be of returning to prem league football. At his age 1 year rolling contracts are normal would be nice if he could play another season in front of the fans that adore him but that’s upto him to decide.
Message to Micheal. It’s not all about the money. Go and do what makes you happy. If it’s away from playing, do it! If it’s begin a sub for West ham and coming on to make a difference, then do it! If it’s going back to a lower division to play full games, then do it! Don’t listen to what others want you to do, do what you want to do. You’ve earned it mate.
Needs to realistic.
Higher wages and longer term is not goingvto happen.
With his circumstances would be surprised if he’s offered a better deal than whu.
Wholeheartedly agree, forever a legend and loved to bits. I wish nothing but the best for you Micky, just stay away from those bloody Italian death machines.
Just a tad insensitive.
There is a chance? why? he is long past his best and as much as he has done for the club there can be no room for sentiment but i suspect like many others to see him and Callum Wilson don the C&B shirt next season….
we re-signed carlton cole in the same window, I wouldnt put anything past these cheapskates
Good luck to him. Hope he finds another club.