West Ham United have announced that Michail Antonio will not be offered a new first-team contract following the expiration of his previous deal on June 30.
The Hammers previously stated that they would delay their decision over the 35-year-old's contract until a “right and appropriate” time after his “unique” situation.
Antonio has not played for West Ham since December last year after he was involved in serious car accident in Epping Forest and subsequently required surgery on a lower limb fracture.
The Jamaica international missed the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign before returning to football in June when he represented his country at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, making three substitute appearances for Steve McClaren’s side who suffered a group-stage exit.
More recently, Antonio featured for West Ham Under-21s against Boreham Wood in a pre-season friendly, scoring two first-half goals in a 2-1 victory.
Antonio will now become a free agent, but he can continue to train with the club’s Under-21s as he builds up his fitness, while West Ham have also revealed that conversations are taking place over a future role for the experienced forward at the club.
Thank you for everything, Michail ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZDeF933D1U
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 7, 2025
Antonio could remain at West Ham in coaching capacity
“West Ham United can confirm that, following the expiry of his contract at the end of last season, Michail Antonio will not be signing a new deal as a first-team player with the club,” a statement read.
“Michail will always be a much-loved and respected member of the West Ham United family. As has been the case since December, the club will continue to support and assist him in his ongoing rehabilitation, offering him access to training, facilities and medical care if needed.
“Dialogue continues over his future involvement with the club in an alternative capacity - including one that would enable others to benefit from his experience and leadership qualities - and he will forever hold a special place in our 130-year history.
“Everyone at West Ham United would like to sincerely thank Michail for his outstanding, dedicated service in a Claret and Blue shirt over the last ten years. Further recognition of his magnificent contribution will appear across club channels in the coming days and weeks.”
Last weekend, West Ham head coach Graham Potter confirmed that talks have taken place over Antonio’s future in a different role at the club.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Potter said: “We’re in the process of speaking about what he wants to do in the future, so I wouldn’t want to say too much. If anything, it will be a role, maybe looking at with the Under-21s, coaching, mentoring, that type of thing, but again, that will be up to him.”
West Ham United's Michail Antonio on December 3, 2024
Antonio departs West Ham after memorable 10-year stay
Antonio joined West Ham from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2015 and leaves the club as their all-time leading scorer in the Premier League, netting 68 goals in 268 appearances.
The powerful and versatile forward, who initially joined West Ham as a winger, was named Hammer of the Year runner-up at the end of his debut season with the club, before going one better and becoming Hammer of the Year in the club’s first campaign at the London Stadium in 2016-17.
Antonio played an important role in ending the club’s 43-year wait for a major trophy with success in the 2023 Conference League, playing the full 90 minutes in a memorable 2-1 win over Fiorentina in the final.
His departure from West Ham comes less than a week after the arrival of Callum Wilson at the London Stadium on a free transfer, with the 33-year-old striker to rival Niclas Fullkrug for regular starts up front under Potter in the new season.
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