by Staff Writer
Monday, 9th June 2025
West Ham say there will be "no formal decision" regarding an extended contract for Michail Antonio, on the day the club announced its list of departing players.
In addition to the previously-confirmed departures of experienced quartet Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski, Vladimir Coufal and Danny Ings, Kurt Zouma's exit has also been rubber-stamped; the central defender having spent the final year of his contract on loan at with Al-Orobah in the Saudi Pro League.
However the situation regarding Antonio appears to remain fluid, with West Ham refusing to rule out a contract extension - even though an earlier offer has already been rejected by Antonio and his representatives.
"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," read an announcement on West Ham's website.
"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."
In addition to the five first team squad members, young players Kamarai Swyer -who is destined to join Northampton Town - Brad Dolaghan, Dondre Abraham and Mehmet Halim will also officially leave West Ham United at the end of June.
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