West Ham United’s all-time Premier League top scorer, Michail Antonio, has now officially severed ties with the club, according to a reliable insider, ExWHUEmployee.
Antonio’s contract expired at the end of last season, and West Ham reportedly offered the veteran forward a short-term pay-as-you-play deal.
The contract had a modest base salary that would have allowed him to continue his rehabilitation at Rush Green following injuries sustained in a recent car accident.
However, Antonio rejected that proposal, and ExWHUEmployee now reports that the 35-year-old has not been seen at the training ground for a while.
Antonio had been training with the West Ham Under-21s to maintain his fitness while considering his options.
The development strongly suggests that Antonio has now completely severed his association with the Hammers, bringing an end to nearly a decade of service in claret and blue.
Antonio’s departure closes a memorable chapter, one that saw him score a record 68 Premier League goals and become a cult hero at the London Stadium.
But the club’s decision is the right one.
Antonio’s physical edge, pace, and ability to bully defenders have waned over the past two seasons, and younger forwards need to step up and take on this mantle.
A coaching, technical, or ambassadorial role might now be the ideal way to reward Antonio for his immense contribution.
His charisma, leadership, and deep understanding of West Ham’s culture could make him a valuable asset off the pitch.
West Ham missed the chance to properly replace Antonio and reinforce his position, signing 33-year-old Callum Wilson to provide competition for 32-year-old Niclas Fullkrug.
The coming window should be about rectifying that mistake by adding a young, lethal, hardworking finisher to the ranks.
West Ham had eyes on Richard Kone over the summer but didn’t pull the trigger, allowing him to join Queens Park Rangers, where he is thriving with four goals in eight appearances.
The Hammers should consider revisiting a deal for the powerhouse Ivorian striker.