Michail Antonio, the former West Ham United striker, is currently training with Charlton Athletic as the Championship club discusses a potential short-term contract for the free agent. The 35-year-old forward, who has been without a club since his release from West Ham before the start of this season, is the subject of a draft offer from Charlton that is understood to be on a pay-as-you-play basis, extending until the summer.
Recovery from Near-Fatal Car Crash
Antonio has not played a competitive game in England since a near-fatal car crash in December 2024, which left him with multiple leg fractures. This serious incident required extensive recovery time, but he managed to return to action by playing for Jamaica in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in June last year. Despite this comeback, he was released by West Ham ahead of the current campaign, leading to his free agent status.
Previous Contract Talks and Current Situation
Prior to the discussions with Charlton, Antonio had trained and held talks with other clubs, including Brentford and Leicester, over proposed contracts. However, these deals ultimately failed to materialise, leaving him available for a new opportunity. This season, he has been working as a pundit for TNT Sports, but his focus now appears to be on returning to professional football.
Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones has one spot remaining to fill in his 25-man squad, and as Antonio is a free agent, he can be added to their ranks outside of the transfer window. This flexibility makes him an attractive option for the Championship side as they look to bolster their attacking options.
Impact on Charlton's Forward Line
If Antonio joins Charlton, he would become the fifth forward in the squad, joining Lyndon Dykes, Miles Leaburn, Charlie Kelman, and Matty Godden. Notably, Dykes and Godden are also on contracts that run until June, though there is an option to extend Godden's deal. Antonio's experience and potential contribution could provide valuable depth and competition in the forward positions as Charlton aims to navigate the remainder of the season.
The pay-as-you-play nature of the proposed contract reflects a cautious approach by Charlton, given Antonio's recent injury history and age. It allows the club to mitigate financial risk while offering Antonio a pathway back into English football. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if these talks lead to a formal agreement, which could mark a significant step in Antonio's recovery and career resurgence.
