How much Leicester City may have to pay ex-West Ham star Michail Antonio in wages if he signs | OneFootball

Michail Antonio is training with Leicester City as he looks to earn a contract with the Championship side.

Leicester City are weighing up a potential move for free agent Michail Antonio as they look to strengthen Marti Cifuentes’ squad ahead of the January transfer window.

The Foxes have had a disappointing campaign so far, whilst the threat of a points deduction is still looming over the club. When you add in the financial restrictions in place, it’s been a tough gig for the Spaniard, who won’t be in a position to splash the cash in January.

Therefore, it makes sense that the club are looking at free agents, and the Telegraph has revealed that Antonio is training with Leicester as they consider offering the 35-year-old a contract.

Leicester City mulling over a potential contract offer to Michail Antonio

The Jamaica international made two brief appearances for his country in the summer, but his last competitive game came over a year ago, with Antonio having a long spell out after breaking his leg in a car accident.

With his West Ham contract expiring in the summer, he has been on the lookout for a new club over the past few months, and the chance to join Leicester may appeal.

From the perspective of the Championship club, it’s a deal that could make sense, as Antonio’s pedigree is clear from his time with the Londoners, so he needs no introduction in that sense.

Even after the injury, he will still offer a real physical presence up top, and his experience and know-how could be vital to the dressing room as Leicester look to climb the table.

Plus, with Patson Daka poised to link-up with Zambia for AFCON, Cifuentes is going to be a striker light for the next few weeks at least, and many feel another addition is required in that department anyway.

Leicester City would need any Michail Antonio deal to make sense financially

As outlined above, Leicester remain in a difficult position in terms of PSR, so they will have to make sure any deal is sensible from a financial perspective - even if it is a free agent.

Obviously, with Antonio out of contract, the Foxes would be free to negotiate with the player, but, even in his situation, you would expect the striker to demand a decent salary.

Whilst we must stress that these are estimates, Capology claims that he was picking up £85,000 a week with the Hammers last season.

Soccer Football - Premier League - West Ham United v Sheffield United - London Stadium, London, Britain - September 30, 2023 West Ham United's Michail Antonio in action with Sheffield United's John Egan Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICAT

For comparison, that would put Antonio as the second-highest earner at the King Power Stadium, with only Harry Winks believed to be on more, although we reiterate that these are only estimates.

Either way, it seems highly unlikely Antonio would get anywhere near his West Ham contract, and any deal would surely be a short-term one that runs until the summer.

Therefore, discussions would need to take place between the player, his agent and the club, and with the January window nearly upon us, Leicester won’t be in a position where they panic, as they know more options become available then, particularly when it comes to loans.

So, this is one to monitor, but it would appear to be a decent addition for Leicester if they could get it over the line, and it would be a great opportunity for Antonio to show he still has a lot to offer.