The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas has given an update regarding Michail Antonio’s contract situation during the latest episode of the U Irons podcast.
Antonio’s current deal expires at the end of this season and the 30-year-old has transformed his Hammers career in recent times and is almost certainly in line for a new deal.
Asked about the signs regarding a reported forthcoming four-year deal, Thomas said: ”Those close to him believe talks will take place in December or January time.”
Despite nearing the end of his current contract, Antonio has a one-year extension option on his current deal, although Thomas believes that won’t be activated as the club and player look to arrange an agreement for a longer period
Thomas added all parties were ‘very optimistic’ about the chances of a new contract being signed.
As things stand, the forward – described as a ‘likeable guy’ by Thomas – would be free to talk to European clubs in January over a move next summer. Should no deal be agreed, he could be allowed to leave on a free transfer from July 1.
Signed from Nottingham Forest back in 2015 for a fee of £8.55m, the Irons have certainly had their money’s worth out of the versatile Antonio. In his five years in east London, he has played 160 games for the club in a disparate variety of positions.
The striker is currently out of action with a hamstring strain picked up against Manchester City during the recent 1-1 draw, during which he scored his third goal of the current season.
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Having struggled to find a consistent place in the side in his early days under Slaven Bilic, more recently, the tireless Antonio has quickly become of the most influential West Ham players in a more settled role under the tutorship of David Moyes.
During the 2015/16 season, Antonio was used in both full-back positions and on both wings without ever playing his now customary centre-forward role.
His importance to the team is noticeable by his absence, including last weekend as the Irons went down 2-1 to Liverpool and badly missed the striker’s infectious energy as well as his quality in front of goal.
Nailing down someone as pivotal as Antonio to a longer deal is imperative for the club and is frankly a no-brainer.
