Birmingham City are interested in signing former West Ham United striker Michail Antonio.
The Jamaican forward saw his West Ham contract end on June 30. The Hammers were reportedly considering giving him a new deal, but Graham Potter shot down the rumours.
Last weekend, the West Ham boss said the 35-year-old was not in his plans for the 2025/26 season and this has now been confirmed with Antonio leaving the club on Thursday.
This has allowed Birmingham to become genuine contenders for the Premier League veteran.
Birmingham City Plotting a Move for Michail Antonio Amid Chuba Akpom Uncertainty
Chuba Akpom Likely to Snub Birmingham
On Sunday, Birmingham City reportedly agreed a deal to sign Chuba Akpom from Ajax. They wanted to sign Akpom on loan, with the commitment of making it permanent upon promotion to the Premier League.
West Ham are continuing to fund Michail Antonio’s rehab and make the gym and all training facilities available to him after his contract formally finished on Monday.
He is exploring offers from other clubs while he continues to work on his match fitness pic.twitter.com/2KaHtiaJ0g
— West Ham Football (@westhamfootball) July 2, 2025
Shortly after, Akpom’s former club, Middlesbrough, joined the chase, but the striker opted to move to Birmingham.
The two-way tussle turned into a three-way brawl on Monday, as Ipswich Town joined the race. According to outlets, the player is now inclined to join Ipswich, leaving Birmingham in limbo.
Michail Antonio Becomes Birmingham City’s Transfer Target
The Blues remain interested in Chuba Akpom, but they are also aware of the possibility of a rejection. As a result, they have started looking for alternatives, with Michail Antonio emerging as a transfer target.
Chris Davies is on the lookout for a target man inside the box. Antonio fits the profile perfectly. Since he is a free agent, Birmingham would not have to worry about PSR.
Michail Antonio rising high 🆙#UEL pic.twitter.com/0JaWY74DKA
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) August 4, 2025
Antonio, who returned to action after recovering from a horror car crash, is also a good presser and excels at sneaking in behind defenders.
According to our sources, Antonio wants to play for a prominent club in a competitive league to retain his place in the Jamaican national team. So, naturally, he is open to a move to Birmingham City.
Antonio Ready to Take a Pay Cut for the Blues
Birmingham City want Antonio on a one-year deal. The contract is likely to have a 12-month extension clause, contingent on him starting 20 Championship matches.
If the deal is finalised, Antonio will earn around £35,000 per week at Birmingham City. He was earning £85,000 at West Ham. The £50,000 sacrifice could pay off for Antonio, as he will be one of the most decorated players in the championship next season.
Signed from Forest in 2015 and changed everything. From utility man to poacher. First to score at London Stadium, hit 100 PL goal involvements, and became our PL record scorer. Crucial in West Ham’s European glory.
One of our greatest ever signings. Michail Antonio. Club legend. pic.twitter.com/cLXy4kKZZS
— Dan Woffenden (@danwoff98) August 3, 2025
Birmingham are 7/1 to win the Championship next season with UK betting sites. It will be interesting to see if the numbers alter if Antonio joins.
Michail Antonio Rejected West Ham United’s Pay-As-You-Play Deal, Leading to His Exit
Michail Antonio was involved in a horror car crash in December and had to undergo surgery.
His return to football was doubtful, but after a six-month struggle, he got back on the grass, featuring for Jamaica in their Gold Cup opener against Guatemala. Antonio played just over five minutes in Jamaica’s 1-0 defeat. He, however, could not feature for West Ham again in the 2024/25 season.
In June, West Ham announced that they would delay their decision regarding Antonio’s future, as it was a “unique” situation.
According to reports, the Hammers did offer Antonio a new deal, but it was a pay-as-you-play arrangement. Antonio, who had spent a decade at the London Stadium, did not agree to the deal, leading to his exit.
It’s since been confirmed on Thursday 7th August that Michail Antonio will leave West Ham.
BREAKING: West Ham have confirmed that Michail Antonio will not be signing a new contact at the club 🚨 pic.twitter.com/mh98PDhXgB
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 7, 2025
Michail Antonio Stats for West Ham
Michail Antonio joined West Ham from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2015. Over the last decade, he played 323 games for West Ham, scoring 83 goals and providing 43 assists.
Antonio featured in 268 Premier League games, scoring 68 goals and claiming 33 assists. He is the Hammers’ all-time top scorer in the English top flight.
