Former West Ham United striker Michail Antonio is in early talks with Charlton Athletic over a short-term deal that could see the 35-year-old return to English football after a traumatic 14 months.
Antonio hasn’t featured competitively since his horrific car crash in December 2024, which left him with multiple leg fractures and raised serious fears over whether he’d ever play again. The Irons top [Premier league](https://www.claretandhugh.info/premier-league-bio/) scorer did briefly feature for West Ham’s U21s while rehabbing — with the club allowing him use of the Rush Green facilities after his contract expired.
However, Antonio made no secret of his disappointment at not being offered a new deal by the Hammers. In a candid outburst, he claimed there was “no loyalty left in football” — a statement that may have been prompted by the fact West Ham offered his best mate – Callum Wilson – a deal but not him.
That said, it should be noted that Antonio was offered a Hammers deal on a pay as you play basis but decided not to sign.
Addicks Move on the Cards?
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Having recovered in time to represent Jamaica in last summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, Antonio then held talks with both Brentford and Leicester, but neither club followed through with a formal offer.
Now, it appears Charlton boss Nathan Jones is exploring the possibility of bringing Antonio to The Valley. Discussions remain at an early stage, but Jones reportedly believes the experienced frontman could add physicality and leadership to a squad chasing promotion.
Whether Antonio pulls on a red shirt remains to be seen, but I’m pretty sure all West Ham fans will wish Mikey well.