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Thursday News (includes West Ham)
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Thursday News (includes West Ham)
BBC
Liverpool are set to swoop for Paris St-Germain's 22-year-old France forward Bradley Barcola - even after completing a deal for Bayer Leverkusen's Germany attacker Florian Wirtz, 22. (Sun), external
Aston Villa, Newcastle and Tottenham are monitoring developments with Jadon Sancho, 25, after the England winger's return to Manchester United following his loan spell at Chelsea. (Sun), external
Everton and Newcastle are leading the race to sign England forward Jack Grealish, 29, from Manchester City this summer. (Football Insider), external
Bayer Leverkusen are considering a move for Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah, 22. (Athletic - subscription required), external
Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez is likely to leave Liverpool this summer, with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal making contact about the 25-year-old this week. (Talksport), external
Nunez, though, is understood to favour staying in Europe, with a move to Spain or Italy his preference. (Mirror), external
Athletic Bilbao hope to agree a pay rise and contract extension with 22-year-old Spain winger Nico Williams, to stave off interest from Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Chelsea. (Marca - in Spanish), external
Williams has told Bayern he is open to a move to Germany and his management is in talks with the Bundesliga champions. (Sky Sports Germany), external
Germany winger Leroy Sane, 29, has rejected an offer from Al-Hilal and agreed to join Galatasaray after talks over a new contract with Bayern Munich failed. (Sky Sport Germany)
Everton, Wolves and Fulham are eyeing a move for 32-year-old Czech Republic right-back Vladimir Coufal, who is a free agent after leaving West Ham. (Football Insider), external
Nottingham Forest are rivalling Leeds and Sunderland for 31-year-old Mozambique left-back Reinildo Mandava, who is out of contract with Atletico Madrid this summer. (Teamtalk), external
Real Betis have offered a three-year deal to Dominican Republic left-back Junior Firpo, whose Leeds contract is set to expire, although the 28-year-old is also considering an offer to stay at Elland Road and another from Lyon. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external
Chelsea have put Serbia goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic up for sale, with Leeds among the clubs interested in signing the 25-year-old. (Teamtalk), external
Petrovic asked to be left out of Chelsea's Club World Cup squad so he can focus on securing a move. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Manchester City are close to reaching an agreement to sign Rosenborg's 18-year-old Norwegian midfielder Sverre Halseth Nypan. (Athletic - subscription required), external
River Plate's Argentina midfielder Franco Mastantuono, 17, has agreed to join Real Madrid in August. (AS - in Spanish), external
Brazil forward Rodrygo, 24, wants to stay at Real Madrid and establish himself under new coach Xabi Alonso. (Marca - in Spanish)
Sky Paper Talk
THE SUN
Liverpool are set to swoop for Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola - pushing their summer spending over £300m.
Three Premier League clubs - Aston Villa, Tottenham and Newcastle - are battling to sign Jadon Sancho.
Bayern Munich youngster Wisdom Mike has been forced to withdraw from the Club World Cup - to complete his exams.
DAILY MAIL
John Textor is willing to sell his stake in Crystal Palace for £175m - and put an end the club's European crisis.
West Ham United - whose star player Lucas Paqueta remains the subject of a spot-fixing probe - have agreed a new shirt sponsorship deal with another gambling company.
THE GUARDIAN
Manchester City supporters have taken legal action against the club over what they say is a discriminatory new season-ticket policy. The protest relates to a system requiring fans to attend at least 10 league matches if they are to retain their ticket for the following season.
FIFA will hold a consultation about expanding the Club World Cup to 48 teams in 2029 if this summer's edition is successful, after lobbying from clubs who failed to qualify for the new $1bn tournament.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic asked to be left out of their Club World Cup squad after making it clear he wants to focus on his future this summer.
DAILY MIRROR
Liverpool may have to find a new buyer for Darwin Nunez, with the Uruguay international not keen on a move to Saudi Arabia at this stage in his career.
Mihai Nistor - who famously became the first fighter to knock out Anthony Joshua - has called for a rematch with the Brit.
Rafael Nadal is set to be offered a special role at Roland Garros just months after he retired from tennis.
THE TIMES
FIFA have ignored tiredness fears by insisting the Club World Cup will continue to stick to added time protocol that has led to 100-minute games.
DAILY RECORD
Celtic are expected to go back in for Lennon Miller.
Hearts are looking to land Nigerian striker Uchenna Ogundu.
Bojan Miovski admits Aberdeen's shock Scottish Cup Final win over Celtic was tinged with regret for him as he watched on from Spain - and he's open to a Pittodrie return.
THE SCOTTISH SUN
Celtic are eyeing a move for Sweden star Benjamin Nygren.
Mark Jackson has emerged as a shock candidate for the Motherwell job
Guardian Rumour mill
Will Unwin
It’s a wingers special for today’s tittle-tattle. Starting with Liverpool’s willingness to splash £100m on Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola. Arne Slot has already signed Jeremie Frimpong and is set to add creativity in the form of Florian Wirtz. Naturally, there is not a bottomless pit of cash at Anfield, so they are open to selling Luis Díaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez to fund the spending.
After it was confirmed that Jadon Sancho will not be joining Chelsea permanently, his next move is a hot topic. Manchester United will be eager to earn some cash for the winger, and are no doubt enticed by the prospect of Aston Villa, Newcastle and Tottenham considering a move for the 25-year-old.
Another wide man seeking pastures new is Jack Grealish, who was left out of Manchester City’s Club World Cup squad. On the upside, he gets a few extra weeks off compared to his current teammates, giving him time to send his CV out. Newcastle or Everton could offer Grealish a route away from the City bench.
Nico Williams is another who likes to get chalk on his boots and clubs are queueing up to sign him. Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Chelsea are all eager but Athletic Club want to tie the Spain international down to a new deal at San Mamés. Bayern seem to be the most eager and the European champion might have given his representatives a nudge and a wink to have a chat with the Bundesliga winners.
Supposedly plenty of teams are interested in the Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres but no one has made an offer for him, according to the club president Frederico Varandas. “I can guarantee that Viktor Gyökeres will not leave for €60m plus €10m because I never promised that,” Varandas said. “To this day Sporting has not had an offer for Gyökeres – neither today nor last season.”
It looks like Manchester City have stolen a march on a host of European rivals to sign Rosenborg teenager Sverre Nypan. The Norwegian was a target for any major club with a pulse, Arsenal and Aston Villa among those batting their eyelids in his direction. It seems Nypan, however, has plumped for the Etihad Stadium as the place to progress his career alongside his compatriot Erling Haaland.
Trevoh Chalobah is on Napoli’s shopping list. The Chelsea defender started last season on loan at Crystal Palace before being called back by Enzo Maresca to boost his centre-back options. Despite starting the triumphant Conference League final win against Real Betis and being called up to Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, Chalobah’s future at Stamford Bridge is less than certain and a move to the Serie A champions might tempt him.
Djordje Petrovic was not keen on a Club World Cup sojourn to play backup in the Chelsea goalkeeping department, so he asked to be left out to allow him to work out for what his future holds. Leeds may be the answer swirling around the crystal ball.
If anyone wants an experienced full-back, then Vladimir Coufal is looking for a new club after his West Ham contract expired. Everton, Wolves and Fulham are those pondering offering him a new home.
Sunderland are awaiting offers for midfielder Nectarios Triantis. The Premier League newcomers want around £1.5m in exchange for his services after an impressive season on loan at Hibernian. Fortuna Düsseldorf and MLS clubs are keen on the player who is currently debating where his international future lies, with Australia and Greece both options.
The Athletic
Michail Antonio could make his comeback next week – but has he played his last game for West Ham?
By Roshane Thomas
Steve McClaren initially pencilled in September for Michail Antonio’s potential return to the Jamaica national team but the West Ham United forward targeted an earlier comeback.
It was during a recent training session with Jamaica before the Unity Cup where Antonio convinced McClaren that his fitness merited a place in their 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup squad.
Antonio, who has scored five goals in 21 caps, had always aimed for a summer return and the 35-year-old could make his comeback in the competition. Jamaica play Guatemala in Carson on June 16 (3am GMT, June 17), followed by Guadeloupe in San Jose four days later (12.45am GMT, June 21) and Panama in North Austin on June 24 (12am GMT, June 25).
However, with his future at the London Stadium still unresolved, there is a danger that Antonio may have played his last game for West Ham.
The forward has not featured in a competitive game since December 3 (in West Ham’s 3-1 defeat at Leicester City) after he was involved in a single-vehicle collision four days later, with the car he was driving striking a tree in Epping Forest. He underwent surgery on a lower-limb fracture and spent four and a half weeks recovering at a central London hospital. Before his accident, Antonio had scored once in 15 appearances this season before breaking his femur in four places.
Antonio was told his rehabilitation could last 12 months but playing for Jamaica this summer and attempting to earn a contract extension at West Ham have been key motivators.
Jamaica boss McClaren was shocked at the speed of Antonio’s recovery, having initially hoped he would feature in their squad for September’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
“It’s unbelievable and shows the mentality of Michail that he has an accident in which he was lucky to survive,” McClaren told the Jamaica Observer in May. “I’ve kept in touch since and I can’t believe it. I think February or March-time, I was speaking to him and he said: ‘Pencil me in for the Unity Cup’. I said: ‘You’ve got to be joking’. We want him with us; not just playing, potentially, but also as a leader of the team. He’s so vital.”
Antonio hoped to earn a place on the bench in West Ham’s final game of the season against Ipswich Town but head coach Graham Potter opted against naming him in the squad. West Ham have delayed a decision on Antonio’s future, with his current deal set to expire on June 30. The club say his “unique situation” means no formal decision will be made until the time is “right and appropriate”.
Antonio’s camp have held talks with majority shareholder David Sullivan and head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay, but no agreement over a new contract has been reached yet, with the player appearing as a free transfer on West Ham’s retained list, although the club puts this down to “Premier League procedural reasons”. Antonio is disappointed at the lack of progress over an extension.
He believes he can still play at a high level and that his years of loyalty warrant a new deal. Antonio is also open to playing abroad if he is unable to extend his 10-year spell in east London. He has previously had interest from MLS clubs and last summer, West Ham rejected an offer from Brazilian side Gremio for Antonio, which was in the region of £2million. Since joining from Nottingham Forest in 2015, Antonio has scored 83 goals and provided 40 assists across 323 appearances. He is the club’s all-time leading goalscorer in the Premier League with 68 goals.
Earlier this week, Antonio posted a video on Instagram chronicling his recovery. The striker is appreciative of the support he has received following the events of December 7. He was unconscious when he was cut out of his Ferrari FF. He crashed during Storm Darragh and could not be airlifted to hospital.
He was driven there instead, where he was informed by doctors it was a miracle that he was still alive. Antonio had glass fragments in his hands and neck when he arrived at the hospital. West Ham’s club doctor Christopher Mogekwu and the player care team helped to ensure Antonio’s well-being.
“The police came and when they found me in the car, I was in between the two seats,” Antonio told the BBC in March. “They said it looked like I was trying to climb out of the window but because my leg was so badly broken, the pain probably stopped me from being able to get out.”
On December 9, Tomas Soucek and captain Jarrod Bowen dedicated their goals to Antonio during West Ham’s 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Antonio had spoken to his team-mates via video call before the match. The squad then visited the forward on December 14.
After being discharged from hospital, Antonio continued his recovery at West Ham’s Rush Green training ground. He initially worked on strengthening his right leg as part of his rehabilitation programme. In February, he had a fortnight of warm-weather fitness training in Dubai. A change of scenery was viewed as being beneficial for his recovery.
Antonio returned to the London Stadium on March 10 and was greeted by fans ahead of his side’s 1-0 defeat by Newcastle United. In that March interview with BBC Morning Live, he admitted he was slightly embarrassed to be seen following the car crash. That same month, he went to view the remains of his car at the scrapyard. It was another realisation to Antonio that he had cheated death. It was the second collision he has had while driving since 2019 .
After months of intense individual training, Antonio returned to full training with the squad on May 5. He was warmly embraced by the group who flicked his ears as he ran through the huddle.
Antonio hopes to prove doubters wrong at the Gold Cup. His last game for Jamaica was a goalless draw against Honduras in October during the Concacaf Nations League. After proving his fitness to McClaren, Antonio will aim to do the same to West Ham’s hierarchy — or other potential suitors.
(Top photo: Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images)
Sport Witness
West Ham travel to negotiate for signing – Official admits sale possible
On Wednesday, we covered claims from Spain and Argentina that West Ham United have made advances in their pursuit of Club Atlético Independiente’s Kevin Lomónaco. It was also stated the Hammers are willing to pay his $20m [€17.5m] release clause.
Muy CAI, whose coverage focuses on the Argentine club, provides fresh updates on West Ham, relayed by Nexofin.
According to Muy CAI, West Ham have ‘great interest’ in the 23-year-old and have sent representatives to Buenos Aires.
The Hammers have already held talks with the centre-back’s entourage about the contract and now ‘move forward’ with his club.
Club Atlético Independiente initially signed the Argentine on loan from Red Bull Bragantino and have made his stay permanent. They have offered him a contract until 2027, which includes a $20m release clause.
Although West Ham are moving forward with their negotiations with the Argentine club, the London club will only be able to secure the defender’s services if they offer $20m.
This has been confirmed by Club Atlético Independiente general secretary Daniel Seoane and Olé have relayed his comments.
“We’re not going to let these players leave for less than their buyout clause,” he said.
“They’re part of the backbone of the team, and what we discussed with the coach is not to dismantle that. Obviously, if they exercise the clause, we have to accept it, but that’s why we improved Loyola and Lomónaco’s contracts.”
On the latest rumours linking him with a move to Mexico, Lomónaco explained. “From Mexico? Who said that? I don’t know anything, but there are so many things being said… Today, the truth is, I’m stuck here.”
The Celtic Star
West Ham’s Andy Irving is a player of interest for Celtic
Lennon Miller, as we covered yesterday on The Celtic Star, has long been reported to have interested Celtic as a transfer target and the young midfielder’s performance for Scotland on Monday night certainly caught the eye…
However, there was another midfielder who made an impression for the national team against Liechtenstein, and it is one Celtic were very much linked with last summer and again in January.
West Ham’s Andy Irving is a former Hearts player, who left the club after feeling unwanted at Tynecastle and instead moved to Germany where he ended up initially at Türkgücü München in Germany’s third tier.
Irving may have initially regretted that decision as his club went out of business.
However, after a period back in Scotland and without a club, Irving switched to SK Austria Klagenfurt, where an outstanding spell in Austria, where he scored 16 goals and assisted on 14 occasions across 60 games, saw Irving catch the eye of former Hammers boss David Moyes and he ended up switching Austria for the EPL.
David Moyes has since left the club, and his replacement Julen Lopetegui apparently scuppered Celtic’s hopes of signing Irving last summer as he was impressed by him during pre-season.
Irving then saw Lopetegui sacked and replaced by Graham Potter, and once again Celtic’s interest was knocked back, with Potter keen to see the player for himself before considering sanctioning a move on loan.
Over the course of the season however Irving has only made 10 appearances for West Ham, and it may well be that West Ham would be open to an initial loan deal for Irving given the player is now 25 and hasn’t established himself beyond being a squad player under Graham Potter.
Irving is a left footed and cultured central midfielder and has the physical build and athleticism Rodgers appears to be targeting.
He can play as a number six, or further forward, but as Celtic look to succession plan for Callum McGregor, Irving could fit the bill as a rotation option initially but also a replacement as a defensive midfielder as and when Callum McGregor reduces his game-time.
Monday’s international friendly with Liechtenstein saw Irving win his first full Scotland cap having previously been a good performer through the age groups with the national team. Indeed, his debut at 25 is perhaps a bit later than would have been predicted earlier in his career, but given his career path has had more than its share of pitfalls in recent years it is perhaps excusable.
Celtic have certainly shown an interest in Andy Irving over the last 12 months. Managerial changes and no doubt the players wish to try and establish himself with an EPL club, has perhaps put paid to Celtic’s interest in the last couple of transfer windows, but with a lack of game-time offered at West Ham and with an international career to consider Andy Irving has to be playing football on a regular basis.
That could mean if Celtic test the waters once again this summer, the opportunity to sign Irving may be more manageable this time around. Perhaps a loan with an option to buy would suit both West Ham and Celtic?
Liverpool are set to swoop for Paris St-Germain's 22-year-old France forward Bradley Barcola - even after completing a deal for Bayer Leverkusen's Germany attacker Florian Wirtz, 22. (Sun), external
Aston Villa, Newcastle and Tottenham are monitoring developments with Jadon Sancho, 25, after the England winger's return to Manchester United following his loan spell at Chelsea. (Sun), external
Everton and Newcastle are leading the race to sign England forward Jack Grealish, 29, from Manchester City this summer. (Football Insider), external
Bayer Leverkusen are considering a move for Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah, 22. (Athletic - subscription required), external
Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez is likely to leave Liverpool this summer, with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal making contact about the 25-year-old this week. (Talksport), external
Nunez, though, is understood to favour staying in Europe, with a move to Spain or Italy his preference. (Mirror), external
Athletic Bilbao hope to agree a pay rise and contract extension with 22-year-old Spain winger Nico Williams, to stave off interest from Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Chelsea. (Marca - in Spanish), external
Williams has told Bayern he is open to a move to Germany and his management is in talks with the Bundesliga champions. (Sky Sports Germany), external
Germany winger Leroy Sane, 29, has rejected an offer from Al-Hilal and agreed to join Galatasaray after talks over a new contract with Bayern Munich failed. (Sky Sport Germany)
Everton, Wolves and Fulham are eyeing a move for 32-year-old Czech Republic right-back Vladimir Coufal, who is a free agent after leaving West Ham. (Football Insider), external
Nottingham Forest are rivalling Leeds and Sunderland for 31-year-old Mozambique left-back Reinildo Mandava, who is out of contract with Atletico Madrid this summer. (Teamtalk), external
Real Betis have offered a three-year deal to Dominican Republic left-back Junior Firpo, whose Leeds contract is set to expire, although the 28-year-old is also considering an offer to stay at Elland Road and another from Lyon. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external
Chelsea have put Serbia goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic up for sale, with Leeds among the clubs interested in signing the 25-year-old. (Teamtalk), external
Petrovic asked to be left out of Chelsea's Club World Cup squad so he can focus on securing a move. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Manchester City are close to reaching an agreement to sign Rosenborg's 18-year-old Norwegian midfielder Sverre Halseth Nypan. (Athletic - subscription required), external
River Plate's Argentina midfielder Franco Mastantuono, 17, has agreed to join Real Madrid in August. (AS - in Spanish), external
Brazil forward Rodrygo, 24, wants to stay at Real Madrid and establish himself under new coach Xabi Alonso. (Marca - in Spanish)
Sky Paper Talk
THE SUN
Liverpool are set to swoop for Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola - pushing their summer spending over £300m.
Three Premier League clubs - Aston Villa, Tottenham and Newcastle - are battling to sign Jadon Sancho.
Bayern Munich youngster Wisdom Mike has been forced to withdraw from the Club World Cup - to complete his exams.
DAILY MAIL
John Textor is willing to sell his stake in Crystal Palace for £175m - and put an end the club's European crisis.
West Ham United - whose star player Lucas Paqueta remains the subject of a spot-fixing probe - have agreed a new shirt sponsorship deal with another gambling company.
THE GUARDIAN
Manchester City supporters have taken legal action against the club over what they say is a discriminatory new season-ticket policy. The protest relates to a system requiring fans to attend at least 10 league matches if they are to retain their ticket for the following season.
FIFA will hold a consultation about expanding the Club World Cup to 48 teams in 2029 if this summer's edition is successful, after lobbying from clubs who failed to qualify for the new $1bn tournament.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic asked to be left out of their Club World Cup squad after making it clear he wants to focus on his future this summer.
DAILY MIRROR
Liverpool may have to find a new buyer for Darwin Nunez, with the Uruguay international not keen on a move to Saudi Arabia at this stage in his career.
Mihai Nistor - who famously became the first fighter to knock out Anthony Joshua - has called for a rematch with the Brit.
Rafael Nadal is set to be offered a special role at Roland Garros just months after he retired from tennis.
THE TIMES
FIFA have ignored tiredness fears by insisting the Club World Cup will continue to stick to added time protocol that has led to 100-minute games.
DAILY RECORD
Celtic are expected to go back in for Lennon Miller.
Hearts are looking to land Nigerian striker Uchenna Ogundu.
Bojan Miovski admits Aberdeen's shock Scottish Cup Final win over Celtic was tinged with regret for him as he watched on from Spain - and he's open to a Pittodrie return.
THE SCOTTISH SUN
Celtic are eyeing a move for Sweden star Benjamin Nygren.
Mark Jackson has emerged as a shock candidate for the Motherwell job
Guardian Rumour mill
Will Unwin
It’s a wingers special for today’s tittle-tattle. Starting with Liverpool’s willingness to splash £100m on Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola. Arne Slot has already signed Jeremie Frimpong and is set to add creativity in the form of Florian Wirtz. Naturally, there is not a bottomless pit of cash at Anfield, so they are open to selling Luis Díaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez to fund the spending.
After it was confirmed that Jadon Sancho will not be joining Chelsea permanently, his next move is a hot topic. Manchester United will be eager to earn some cash for the winger, and are no doubt enticed by the prospect of Aston Villa, Newcastle and Tottenham considering a move for the 25-year-old.
Another wide man seeking pastures new is Jack Grealish, who was left out of Manchester City’s Club World Cup squad. On the upside, he gets a few extra weeks off compared to his current teammates, giving him time to send his CV out. Newcastle or Everton could offer Grealish a route away from the City bench.
Nico Williams is another who likes to get chalk on his boots and clubs are queueing up to sign him. Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Chelsea are all eager but Athletic Club want to tie the Spain international down to a new deal at San Mamés. Bayern seem to be the most eager and the European champion might have given his representatives a nudge and a wink to have a chat with the Bundesliga winners.
Supposedly plenty of teams are interested in the Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres but no one has made an offer for him, according to the club president Frederico Varandas. “I can guarantee that Viktor Gyökeres will not leave for €60m plus €10m because I never promised that,” Varandas said. “To this day Sporting has not had an offer for Gyökeres – neither today nor last season.”
It looks like Manchester City have stolen a march on a host of European rivals to sign Rosenborg teenager Sverre Nypan. The Norwegian was a target for any major club with a pulse, Arsenal and Aston Villa among those batting their eyelids in his direction. It seems Nypan, however, has plumped for the Etihad Stadium as the place to progress his career alongside his compatriot Erling Haaland.
Trevoh Chalobah is on Napoli’s shopping list. The Chelsea defender started last season on loan at Crystal Palace before being called back by Enzo Maresca to boost his centre-back options. Despite starting the triumphant Conference League final win against Real Betis and being called up to Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, Chalobah’s future at Stamford Bridge is less than certain and a move to the Serie A champions might tempt him.
Djordje Petrovic was not keen on a Club World Cup sojourn to play backup in the Chelsea goalkeeping department, so he asked to be left out to allow him to work out for what his future holds. Leeds may be the answer swirling around the crystal ball.
If anyone wants an experienced full-back, then Vladimir Coufal is looking for a new club after his West Ham contract expired. Everton, Wolves and Fulham are those pondering offering him a new home.
Sunderland are awaiting offers for midfielder Nectarios Triantis. The Premier League newcomers want around £1.5m in exchange for his services after an impressive season on loan at Hibernian. Fortuna Düsseldorf and MLS clubs are keen on the player who is currently debating where his international future lies, with Australia and Greece both options.
The Athletic
Michail Antonio could make his comeback next week – but has he played his last game for West Ham?
By Roshane Thomas
Steve McClaren initially pencilled in September for Michail Antonio’s potential return to the Jamaica national team but the West Ham United forward targeted an earlier comeback.
It was during a recent training session with Jamaica before the Unity Cup where Antonio convinced McClaren that his fitness merited a place in their 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup squad.
Antonio, who has scored five goals in 21 caps, had always aimed for a summer return and the 35-year-old could make his comeback in the competition. Jamaica play Guatemala in Carson on June 16 (3am GMT, June 17), followed by Guadeloupe in San Jose four days later (12.45am GMT, June 21) and Panama in North Austin on June 24 (12am GMT, June 25).
However, with his future at the London Stadium still unresolved, there is a danger that Antonio may have played his last game for West Ham.
The forward has not featured in a competitive game since December 3 (in West Ham’s 3-1 defeat at Leicester City) after he was involved in a single-vehicle collision four days later, with the car he was driving striking a tree in Epping Forest. He underwent surgery on a lower-limb fracture and spent four and a half weeks recovering at a central London hospital. Before his accident, Antonio had scored once in 15 appearances this season before breaking his femur in four places.
Antonio was told his rehabilitation could last 12 months but playing for Jamaica this summer and attempting to earn a contract extension at West Ham have been key motivators.
Jamaica boss McClaren was shocked at the speed of Antonio’s recovery, having initially hoped he would feature in their squad for September’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
“It’s unbelievable and shows the mentality of Michail that he has an accident in which he was lucky to survive,” McClaren told the Jamaica Observer in May. “I’ve kept in touch since and I can’t believe it. I think February or March-time, I was speaking to him and he said: ‘Pencil me in for the Unity Cup’. I said: ‘You’ve got to be joking’. We want him with us; not just playing, potentially, but also as a leader of the team. He’s so vital.”
Antonio hoped to earn a place on the bench in West Ham’s final game of the season against Ipswich Town but head coach Graham Potter opted against naming him in the squad. West Ham have delayed a decision on Antonio’s future, with his current deal set to expire on June 30. The club say his “unique situation” means no formal decision will be made until the time is “right and appropriate”.
Antonio’s camp have held talks with majority shareholder David Sullivan and head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay, but no agreement over a new contract has been reached yet, with the player appearing as a free transfer on West Ham’s retained list, although the club puts this down to “Premier League procedural reasons”. Antonio is disappointed at the lack of progress over an extension.
He believes he can still play at a high level and that his years of loyalty warrant a new deal. Antonio is also open to playing abroad if he is unable to extend his 10-year spell in east London. He has previously had interest from MLS clubs and last summer, West Ham rejected an offer from Brazilian side Gremio for Antonio, which was in the region of £2million. Since joining from Nottingham Forest in 2015, Antonio has scored 83 goals and provided 40 assists across 323 appearances. He is the club’s all-time leading goalscorer in the Premier League with 68 goals.
Earlier this week, Antonio posted a video on Instagram chronicling his recovery. The striker is appreciative of the support he has received following the events of December 7. He was unconscious when he was cut out of his Ferrari FF. He crashed during Storm Darragh and could not be airlifted to hospital.
He was driven there instead, where he was informed by doctors it was a miracle that he was still alive. Antonio had glass fragments in his hands and neck when he arrived at the hospital. West Ham’s club doctor Christopher Mogekwu and the player care team helped to ensure Antonio’s well-being.
“The police came and when they found me in the car, I was in between the two seats,” Antonio told the BBC in March. “They said it looked like I was trying to climb out of the window but because my leg was so badly broken, the pain probably stopped me from being able to get out.”
On December 9, Tomas Soucek and captain Jarrod Bowen dedicated their goals to Antonio during West Ham’s 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Antonio had spoken to his team-mates via video call before the match. The squad then visited the forward on December 14.
After being discharged from hospital, Antonio continued his recovery at West Ham’s Rush Green training ground. He initially worked on strengthening his right leg as part of his rehabilitation programme. In February, he had a fortnight of warm-weather fitness training in Dubai. A change of scenery was viewed as being beneficial for his recovery.
Antonio returned to the London Stadium on March 10 and was greeted by fans ahead of his side’s 1-0 defeat by Newcastle United. In that March interview with BBC Morning Live, he admitted he was slightly embarrassed to be seen following the car crash. That same month, he went to view the remains of his car at the scrapyard. It was another realisation to Antonio that he had cheated death. It was the second collision he has had while driving since 2019 .
After months of intense individual training, Antonio returned to full training with the squad on May 5. He was warmly embraced by the group who flicked his ears as he ran through the huddle.
Antonio hopes to prove doubters wrong at the Gold Cup. His last game for Jamaica was a goalless draw against Honduras in October during the Concacaf Nations League. After proving his fitness to McClaren, Antonio will aim to do the same to West Ham’s hierarchy — or other potential suitors.
(Top photo: Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images)
Sport Witness
West Ham travel to negotiate for signing – Official admits sale possible
On Wednesday, we covered claims from Spain and Argentina that West Ham United have made advances in their pursuit of Club Atlético Independiente’s Kevin Lomónaco. It was also stated the Hammers are willing to pay his $20m [€17.5m] release clause.
Muy CAI, whose coverage focuses on the Argentine club, provides fresh updates on West Ham, relayed by Nexofin.
According to Muy CAI, West Ham have ‘great interest’ in the 23-year-old and have sent representatives to Buenos Aires.
The Hammers have already held talks with the centre-back’s entourage about the contract and now ‘move forward’ with his club.
Club Atlético Independiente initially signed the Argentine on loan from Red Bull Bragantino and have made his stay permanent. They have offered him a contract until 2027, which includes a $20m release clause.
Although West Ham are moving forward with their negotiations with the Argentine club, the London club will only be able to secure the defender’s services if they offer $20m.
This has been confirmed by Club Atlético Independiente general secretary Daniel Seoane and Olé have relayed his comments.
“We’re not going to let these players leave for less than their buyout clause,” he said.
“They’re part of the backbone of the team, and what we discussed with the coach is not to dismantle that. Obviously, if they exercise the clause, we have to accept it, but that’s why we improved Loyola and Lomónaco’s contracts.”
On the latest rumours linking him with a move to Mexico, Lomónaco explained. “From Mexico? Who said that? I don’t know anything, but there are so many things being said… Today, the truth is, I’m stuck here.”
The Celtic Star
West Ham’s Andy Irving is a player of interest for Celtic
Lennon Miller, as we covered yesterday on The Celtic Star, has long been reported to have interested Celtic as a transfer target and the young midfielder’s performance for Scotland on Monday night certainly caught the eye…
However, there was another midfielder who made an impression for the national team against Liechtenstein, and it is one Celtic were very much linked with last summer and again in January.
West Ham’s Andy Irving is a former Hearts player, who left the club after feeling unwanted at Tynecastle and instead moved to Germany where he ended up initially at Türkgücü München in Germany’s third tier.
Irving may have initially regretted that decision as his club went out of business.
However, after a period back in Scotland and without a club, Irving switched to SK Austria Klagenfurt, where an outstanding spell in Austria, where he scored 16 goals and assisted on 14 occasions across 60 games, saw Irving catch the eye of former Hammers boss David Moyes and he ended up switching Austria for the EPL.
David Moyes has since left the club, and his replacement Julen Lopetegui apparently scuppered Celtic’s hopes of signing Irving last summer as he was impressed by him during pre-season.
Irving then saw Lopetegui sacked and replaced by Graham Potter, and once again Celtic’s interest was knocked back, with Potter keen to see the player for himself before considering sanctioning a move on loan.
Over the course of the season however Irving has only made 10 appearances for West Ham, and it may well be that West Ham would be open to an initial loan deal for Irving given the player is now 25 and hasn’t established himself beyond being a squad player under Graham Potter.
Irving is a left footed and cultured central midfielder and has the physical build and athleticism Rodgers appears to be targeting.
He can play as a number six, or further forward, but as Celtic look to succession plan for Callum McGregor, Irving could fit the bill as a rotation option initially but also a replacement as a defensive midfielder as and when Callum McGregor reduces his game-time.
Monday’s international friendly with Liechtenstein saw Irving win his first full Scotland cap having previously been a good performer through the age groups with the national team. Indeed, his debut at 25 is perhaps a bit later than would have been predicted earlier in his career, but given his career path has had more than its share of pitfalls in recent years it is perhaps excusable.
Celtic have certainly shown an interest in Andy Irving over the last 12 months. Managerial changes and no doubt the players wish to try and establish himself with an EPL club, has perhaps put paid to Celtic’s interest in the last couple of transfer windows, but with a lack of game-time offered at West Ham and with an international career to consider Andy Irving has to be playing football on a regular basis.
That could mean if Celtic test the waters once again this summer, the opportunity to sign Irving may be more manageable this time around. Perhaps a loan with an option to buy would suit both West Ham and Celtic?