(Credit: Getty Images/Imago)

Jack Heath

Mon 11 August 2025 15:44, UK

Michail Antonio has found a new line of work after being tipped to sign for one of Leeds or Newcastle this summer.

'I saw him yesterday' - Michail Antonio backed to complete 'no-brainer' Leeds United move	Michail Antonio net worth, car crash and new role amid hunt for new club	Michail Antonio aims dig at West Ham in defence of wantaway Newcastle star Alexander Isak and claims players are 'MEAT' to clubs

After leaving West Ham as a free agent, the Jamaican international has been on the hunt for his next opportunity this summer.

Former Watford striker Troy Deeney had promoted Antonio joining Newcastle amid their ongoing striker saga with Alexander Isak.

Similarly, ex-pros Ray Parlour and Ally McCoist described Antonio heading to Leeds a “no-brainer” as the Whites looked to strengthen after failing to acquire Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz.

Yet, despite all the speculation, it appears the 33-year-old has opted for a different route for now after being left without a club.

Antonio looks to be saying goodbye to his playing days (Credit: Getty Images)

The former Hammer has opted to take a step back from the pitch as he joins TNT Sports on their punditry team.

Announced by the broadcaster on X (11 August), the forward will be featuring alongside ex-Tottenham and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale as part of the panel next season.

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Moreover, the 33-year-old will be joined by ex-England internationals Anita Asante and Fara Williams as well as former Scotland international Jen Beattie.

Football Insider verdict

Although the former Nottingham Forest man’s appointment to TNT Sports may suggest to fans the striker has retired from football, no formal announcement has been made thus far.

Amid returning from a major car crash back in December 2024, it is possible the ex-Iron is taking some time off before making a possible return to the pitch.

Indeed, the Jamaican’s form fell off a cliff in his last two seasons where goals were a rarity, but the frontman still has heaps of experience that any club would be lucky to have.

Michail Antonio Premier League statsAppearances268Goals68Assists33(Source: Premier League)

The decision to join the broadcaster may be part of a realisation that the forward needs some time to recover before joining another team in the near future as well.

For both Newcastle and Leeds, the option of a late emergency deal for the free agent is seemingly off-the-cards as both sides go back to the drawing board to find other candidates.

The Magpies are in a particular spot of bother with Willy Osula the only fit striker after the exit of Callum Wilson who, like Antonio, did not extend his contract at the club.

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