West Ham United have reportedly offered club veteran Michail Antonio a short-term contract extension as the season winds down, but it appears the forward may be set for an exit regardless.
According to Claret and Hugh, Antonio has been offered a new deal on reduced wages, aimed at helping him regain fitness while exploring other opportunities. A club insider told the outlet, “He has a number of alternatives,” casting doubt over whether the thirty-five-year-old will commit to another spell in east London.
Not on the Exit List – But Not in the Plans?
While West Ham confirmed this week that Aaron Cresswell, Łukasz Fabiański, Danny Ings, and Vladimír Coufal would be leaving, Antonio’s name was notably absent from that list. Manager Graham Potter described the situation as “complex,” suggesting internal discussions remain ongoing about the striker’s future.
Antonio has been recovering from injury and has stated in interviews that he is focused on regaining fitness and continuing his professional career. However, whether that future lies with West Ham is uncertain.
A Decade of Service
Signed from Nottingham Forest for £7 million back in 2015, Antonio has become a modern-day West Ham cult hero. Across 268 appearances in all competitions, he has scored 68 goals and registered 33 assists – often playing out of position and leading the line with relentless energy.
But after a season plagued by injuries and underwhelming results, West Ham are reportedly looking to refresh their squad, and Antonio’s departure could be part of that transition. His age and fitness concerns make it unlikely he will remain a key part of Potter’s long-term plans.
Fan Reactions Mixed
The news has sparked debate among fans. While many thank Antonio for his contributions, others believe the time has come to move on. Some supporters on social media expressed concern about the club’s reliance on ageing players, urging the board to invest in younger talent ahead of next season.
Whether Antonio accepts the offer remains to be seen, but what is clear is that his time at West Ham may be nearing its conclusion after a decade of loyal service.
