West Ham have opened up on the situation surrounding Michail Antonio as he continues his recovery following his near-fatal car crash last year.
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Antonio still recovering from near-fatal crashWest Ham unable to reach an extension with the starAdded to list of free transfers – decision to be made laterFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Antonio was at the centre of a near-fatal car crash in December of 2024, where the West Ham striker had to be airlifted after having suffered multiple serious injuries. It is expected that the Jamaica international will not be able to return to action on the field at least until midway through next season, if at all.
Advertisementsocial gfxTHE BIGGER PICTURE
West Ham have supported Antonio through his recovery phase. However, with his contract set to run out later this month, the east London side have been faced with a dilemma. After having offered the striker a short-term deal with considerably lower wages, the Hammers were informed that Antonio wanted a higher salary and a long-term contract. The club has now announced that the player has been listed as a free transfer for administrative purposes, while they mull over the "unique situation" and will only make a final decision when the time is "considered right and appropriate".
WHAT WEST HAM'S STATEMENT READ
In publishing their retained list for the summer of 2025, West Ham wrote: "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."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ANTONIO?
The Jamaican is continuing his recovery with West Ham as he shared clips of his physical therapy. It is still uncertain whether the now-35-year-old will be able to make a return to the football field as a professional. However, he has announced that he remains committed to the prospect.
