West Ham United have reportedly offered Jamaican international Michail Antonio a short-term contract extension on reduced wages, as the veteran forward continues his remarkable fightback from a devastating car accident in December 2024.
According to several UK media outlets including The Times and Claret and Hugh, the 35-year-old striker has been presented with the deal in hopes that he will remain at the club during rehabilitation and potentially find a new team once he regains full fitness. However, the offer comes with no guarantees. A club source told Claret and Hugh, “he has a number of alternatives”, casting doubt over whether Antonio will accept the extension.
Antonio, who joined West Ham a decade ago from Nottingham Forest for £7 million, has been a pillar of consistency and passion for the East London side, tallying 83 goals and 33 assists in 323 appearances. Despite his contributions, his name was notably absent from the list of departing players this summer, which included Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski, Danny Ings, and Vlad Coufal. West Ham manager Graham Potter described Antonio’s situation as “complex.”
The forward suffered a broken leg and other injuries in the accident, which derailed his 2024/25 campaign. But Antonio, known for his resilience and drive, has vowed to return to professional football. He has expressed his desire in interviews to be back on the pitch as soon as possible and even set his sights on featuring for West Ham in their final match of the season.
His comeback bid has also drawn attention from Reggae Boyz Head Coach Steve McClaren, who included Antonio in Jamaica’s provisional Gold Cup squad and hopes to have him available for the Unity Cup and 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
“I think in February or March, I was speaking to him, and he said, pencil me in for the Unity Cup, the World Cup qualifiers, and the Gold Cup,” McClaren revealed during a virtual press conference on Tuesday. “I think he's hoping to be on the bench for West Ham's last game. I hope he makes that and hope he gets fit because we want him. We want him with us not just as playing potential, but also as a leader of the team. He is so vital.”
With Antonio weighing his options and the football world watching his recovery closely, it remains to be seen whether he will stay with the Hammers or begin a new chapter elsewhere. Either way, the Jamaican striker's determination to return to the top level is yet another example of the grit and spirit that have defined his career.