---
title: "Hammers Correspondent Delivers Michail Antonio Contract Update"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2020/11/04/roshane-thomas-michail-antonio-contract-rumours/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2020-11-04T17:00:18Z"
modified: "2020-11-04T17:00:18Z"
---

# Hammers Correspondent Delivers Michail Antonio Contract Update

The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas has given an update regarding [Michail Antonio’s](https://readwestham.com/2020/10/26/hammers-fans-reaction-to-that-michail-antonio-goal/) contract situation during the latest episode of the [U Irons podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-futures-of-antonio-and-rice/id1495074152?i=1000497092123).

Antonio’s current deal [expires at the end of this season](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/michail-antonio/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/104124/plus/0?saison=&verein=379&liga=&wettbewerb=&pos=&trainer_id=) and the 30-year-old has [transformed his Hammers career](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11685/12115944/michail-antonio-west-ham-forward-on-knockbacks-negativity-and-racism) in recent times and is almost certainly [in line for a new deal](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/aug/12/west-ham-confident-michail-antonio-will-stay-and-plan-pay-rise-for-forward).

Asked about the signs regarding a [reported forthcoming four-year deal](https://theathletic.co.uk/2168301/2020/10/29/michail-antonio-contract-injury/), 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](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/michail-antonio/transfers/spieler/104124), 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](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/michail-antonio/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/104124/verein/379).

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](https://www.premierleague.com/players/9595/Michail-Antonio/overview).

### READ WEST HAM VERDICT

Having struggled to find a [consistent place in the side in his early days](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/michail-antonio/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/104124/plus/0?saison=2015&verein=379&liga=&wettbewerb=&pos=&trainer_id=)under Slaven Bilic, more recently, the tireless Antonio has quickly become of the most influential West Ham players in a [more settled role](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/michail-antonio/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/104124/plus/0?saison=2019&verein=379&liga=&wettbewerb=&pos=&trainer_id=) under the tutorship of David Moyes.

During the 2015/16 season, Antonio was used in [both full-back positions and on both wings](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/michail-antonio/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/104124/plus/0?saison=2015&verein=379&liga=&wettbewerb=&pos=&trainer_id=) 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](https://talksport.com/football/781818/west-ham-michail-antonio-clever-striker-premier-league-miss-liverpool/) 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.