Michail Antonio joined West Ham United from Nottingham Forest back in 2015 for just £7 million. This was to prove to be a bargain for West Ham as he would go on to become the all-time club's top goalscorer in the Premier League. Antonio found the back of the net 68 times for the Hammers. However, Jarrod Bowen is now hot on his heels with 64.
It was not always smooth for Antonio at West Ham. He initially struggled for game time and was often played out of position. This included him playing as a very attacking right-back. His personality and often eccentric celebrations made him very popular with the supporters at Upton Park and then the Olympic Stadium. He scored the equalizer in the final game at the Boleyn Ground before Winston Reid scored the late winner against Manchester United.
Antonio was part of the side that won the Europa Conference League. However, his career with the Hammers ended as a result of injuries sustained in a car crash in December 2024. He left the Hammers when his contract expired at the end of the campaign, but did go on to feature for the Under-21s as part of his rehabilitation.
Could Michail Antonio return to soccer?
The forward also trained with Leicester City, but a move to the Foxes did not come to fruition. Now, the BBC is reporting that "Antonio has held initial talks with Charlton Athletic about a possible return to domestic football after his near fatal car crash."
Antonio is now 35, and it remains to be seen how he will fare playing again after such a horrific accident. The Addicks are currently 18th in the Championship, and just seven points above the relegation zone. Therefore, it might be worth them taking a chance on Antonio. On his day, he is unplayable, and his experience would also be welcome at the Valley.