West Ham told not to pay Michail Antonio if he can’t play – ‘Life is tough’

West Ham might still hand Michail Antonio a contract extension once the striker returns from his horrific injury, Simon Jordan believes.

The 34-year-old has not featured for the Hammers since early December after being involved in a near-fatal car accident, one which he has since been recovering from on the sidelines.

Graham Potter has seriously missed a striker figure since being appointed as Julen Lopetegui’s successor, with Niclas Fullkrug’s signing for West Ham clearly not working out.

While supporters are eager for their leading Premier League scorer to return to the pitch, Antonio’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, and he is nowhere near returning to the pitch yet.

There are doubts being raised over whether the Jamaica international will be able to play football at a professional level again, but if he manages to, Jordan believes a pay-as-you-play deal could work.

Michail Antonio to return to West Ham with new contract mooted

Speaking live via talkSPORT [18 March, 12:32pm], Jordan said: “If you do a pay-and-play deal, he can back himself. Give him what his weekly wage was if he plays, and if you play, it means you’re at the level you were before.

Jim White asked: “So he would only get paid if he plays?” to which Jordan replied: “Why wouldn’t you? Why would you give him money if he can’t play? What would be the purpose?

“Life is tough. He’s been there for a decade but he’s been paid for it. He’s not a servant of the club – he’s been paid for it.”

Player Games Goals Assists Trophies

Michail Antonio 323 83 40 1

David Sullivan must reward West Ham’s most loyal player in moment of darkness

Football Insider verdict