Michail Antonio's time at West Ham may not be up just yet, despite being listed as a free transfer by the club.
The striker, who has been sidelined since breaking his leg in a car crash in December, was named alongside five other departing first-team players in a recent retained list release by the Hammers.
Michail Antonio was involved in a serious traffic accident
3
Michail Antonio was involved in a serious traffic accidentCredit: Getty
In a club announcement, it was revealed that Aaron Cresswell, Lukaz Fabianski, Vladimir Coufal and Danny Ings will all leave the London Stadium this summer, as well as defender Kurt Zouma.
But with Antonio yet to agree an extension on his current contract, which expires on June 30, an update was issued on his situation.
The statement read: "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.
Read more on transfer news
"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."
The update on Antonio's future comes after The Times reported negotiations over a new contract had reached a standoff.
According to the publication, the 35-year-old has already rejected an offer of a short-term contract, which included a modest basic wage and further money on appearances.
Antonio is said to want more guaranteed money in a longer-term deal, while the club are reluctant to increase their offer for the frontman, who scored once in 16 appearances before his injury last season.
The Jamaica international recently appeared to suggest he was nearing a return to the pitch from his serious car accident, which saw him crash his £260,000 Ferreri into a tree.
He posted a montage video on social media yesterday that showed him in rehab and learning to walk again.
Antonio received a touching reception from the West Ham supporters when he returned to the London Stadium following his car accident
3
Antonio received a touching reception from the West Ham supporters when he returned to the London Stadium following his car accidentCredit: Getty
The clip is set to inspirational comments from motivational speaker Inky Johnson, alongside Antonio's caption of: “Faith will overcome all challenges."
Antonio previously revealed his hopes to return to action in the new few weeks, having set his sights on playing for Jamaica at the Concacaf Gold Cup, which starts on Saturday.
He is keen to play in the tournament to prove his fitness and earn a new contract at West Ham, having previously addressed his contract situation.
In May, he told French outlet L’Equipe: “The question is whether the club wants to extend my contract. That’s my priority, but I’m waiting.
"Until then, all I can do is focus on my recovery so that, wherever I am next year, I can deliver.”
Antonio has played 323 times for West Ham since joining the club in 2015, scoring 83 goals, and winning the 2023 Conference League.
Antonio had to learn to walk again
3
Antonio had to learn to walk againCredit: Instagram