West Ham United Might Be Forced To Extend The Contract Of This 35-year-old Star: Should The Hammers Do This? | OneFootball

West Ham are going through a period of transition marked by difficult decisions. The club have begun to restructure their squad after a mixed season. With Graham Potter at the helm, the Hammers are seeking a balance between immediate results and a renewed vision for the future.

The age and fitness of some senior players are forcing the club to act, but not without emotion. In this situation, Michail Antonio‘s name comes up again, this time not because of his goals but because of the uncertainty surrounding his continuity.

West Ham United Might Be Forced To Extend The Contract Of Michail Antonio

As revealed by Football Insider, the Jamaican striker is on the way out, as his contract expires on 30 June. Despite his serious injury suffered in December, which kept him out of action for the entire second half of the 2024/25 campaign, sports finance expert Dan Plumley says there is still room for an unexpected turnaround. While the club’s intention is to release the player, he also said they could stand by the 35-year-old during his recovery, fuelling speculation of a possible U-turn in the London Stadium offices.

He said:

Opinion:

Personally, I think West Ham are faced with a decision that requires a balance between gratitude and sporting logic. Antonio has been a mainstay of the team for almost a decade, providing strength, sacrifice and unforgettable moments. However, his current physical condition, combined with his age, raises reasonable doubts.

Should the club offer him a new contract despite the injury? Only if he is willing to make that commitment as a gesture of gratitude, knowing that his on-field contribution will be limited in the short term. On the other hand, his experience and knowledge of the club could be useful in a rebuilding dressing room.

Even without minutes, the Jamaican’s leadership could guide the youngsters. However, thinking about a realistic U-turn is not easy. Time is against him, and the summer market does not wait. With his recovery underway and no guarantee of performance, extending his contract would be more of an emotional gamble than a strategic one.

In modern football, that tends to weigh little. Still, if anyone deserves a dignified end, it is Michail Antonio. Even if everything points to his departure, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the club surprise us once again.