Graham Potter brutally ends player's West Ham career with one word
Graham Potter is in the midst of a massive summer to improve West Ham United.
Potter took charge of the Hammers in January following the sacking of Julen Lopetegui, and has since kept the Irons in the Premier League, albeit in unconvincing circumstances.
West Ham have won just five league games since the Englishman's arrival, with pressure building to perform this season or face his second sacking by a London club in two years, having been ousted by Chelsea in 2023.
The East London side have already said goodbye to Mohammed Kudus this summer as he left in a £55million deal to Tottenham Hotspur, and Potter looks to have confirmed the exit of another Hammers forward.
Michail Antonio is surplus to requirements under Potter
Michail Antonio has endured a nightmare year after injuring his leg in an horrific car crash in December.
Antonio, 35, last played for West Ham in a 3-1 defeat at Leicester City, missing the next 24 league games before appearing for Jamaica at the Gold Cup.
It looked as though Antonio could return for the Hammers for the 2025/26 season, but Potter has put an end to any hope of that at a press conference ahead of the Premier League Summer Series game against Bournemouth.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Premier League | 14 | 1 | 1 |
| Carabao Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
When asked if Antonio would be a part of the squad for the upcoming campaign, Potter bluntly replied: "No."
The Jamaican's contract expired after last season, with the Hammers still deciding whether to renew his deal or not.
Despite no official update from the club, Potter's comments have now confirmed Antonio's time at the London Stadium is up.
Antonio needs support to get back to his best elsewhere
West Ham confirmed upon releasing their retained list earlier this summer that Antonio would receive support to help him return to top-level football after his car crash.
The Hammers said: "As a long-serving, highly-respected player, and a much-loved member of the West Ham family, the club's absolute priority at this time is to support Michail personally in his journey to resume playing at the highest level."
With what has been a traumatising experience for Antonio, the East London side has a duty of care to fulfil before allowing the forward to depart the London Stadium.
Hopefully Antonio can get fully up to speed soon and then find himself a new club, leaving with the best wishes of everyone associated with West Ham.
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