Michail Antonio
(Credit: Imago)
Rahul Lakhani
Tue 12 August 2025 13:39, UK
Leeds still need to sign a striker this summer and Michail Antonio has emerged as a surprise target in recent weeks.
Antonio was let go by West Ham this summer after a decade at the club, having failed to agree on a new contract after a life-threatening injury midway through last season.
Leeds appear to have failed in their efforts to sign Rodrigo Muniz, and are yet to strengthen their options at centre-forward.
News emerged in recent weeks that Antonio had been spotted at Leeds’ training ground, and he has now confirmed that he was indeed at Thorp Arch.
West Ham United striker Michail Antonio
Antonio is a free agent after leaving West Ham (Credit: Imago)
Antonio explains why he was at Leeds’ Thorp Arch HQ
Antonio is yet to find a new club, but it does not appear that Elland Road will be his next destination as he continues his recovery from his brutal car accident.
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Speaking to FourFourTwo (August 12), Antonio shared that he is ready to play and is actively searching for a new club.
“I’m still going to play. I’m speaking to a few clubs right now, I’m just kind of waiting for the right offer to come and move forward from there,” he stated.
“I definitely know I’m good. I know I’m fit, just waiting for the right opportunity. I’ve had a couple of offers – I’m kind of just holding out to see if anything better comes.”
However, his visit to the Leeds training ground was not transfer-related, as he confirmed that he visited other clubs, including Ipswich Town and Oxford United, over a new sports supplement company he has founded.
Rodrigo Muniz
Leeds failed in their pursuit of Rodrigo Muniz (credit: Imago)
Leeds need instant-impact striker
Even if Antonio was fit, he may not have been the answer for Leeds despite his Premier League experience, as Daniel Farke may need someone in their prime years upfront.
If they are to survive the relegation battle, Leeds need some guarantee of goals as they make the step up to the top flight, and although Antonio could be a serviceable backup, the Whites need a player of starting quality.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has emerged as an alternative to Muniz, but this would be somewhat underwhelming despite his experience, given his lack of goals in recent years.
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