West Ham United to Extend Michail Antonio's Contract Amid Recovery

West Ham United is deliberating a contract extension for forward Michail Antonio, who is currently recovering from a serious car accident that resulted in a broken leg. The 34-year-old striker underwent surgery and is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Despite his injury, Antonio remains a pivotal figure for the Hammers, having scored 83 goals in 323 appearances since joining from Nottingham Forest in 2015. His current contract is set to expire in the summer, but the club is keen to support him through his rehabilitation and is considering an extension similar to the one offered to defender Angelo Ogbonna following his ACL injury in 2021.

West Ham has committed to paying Antonio's full wages during his recovery, as their insurance does not cover such incidents. The club plans to discuss his future once he is discharged from the hospital, aiming to boost his morale during this challenging period.

In a show of solidarity, Antonio's teammates wore shirts bearing his name and number during the warm-up before their recent match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The club also plans to auction these shirts, with proceeds going to charity, matched by the West Ham board.

Essex Police are investigating the accident and have appealed for information or dashcam footage from the public. Antonio was airlifted to a London hospital after being trapped in his vehicle for approximately 45 minutes.

West Ham's consideration of a contract extension for Antonio underscores their commitment to their players' well-being, both on and off the pitch.