BREAKING: Premier League Free Agent Confirms Leeds United Training Ground Visit as Striker Search Continues
Leeds United’s ongoing hunt for attacking reinforcements has sparked fresh speculation this week after Michail Antonio confirmed he recently visited the club’s Thorp Arch training ground. However, the former West Ham United forward has clarified that the trip was not related to potential contract talks.
Antonio, 35, remains without a club after his West Ham contract expired in June. The Jamaica international is one of the Premier League’s most recognisable frontmen, with over a decade of top-flight experience and 75 goals in England’s top division. But his career was thrown into uncertainty after a horrific car crash in December 2024 left him with a shattered femur and multiple other injuries.
The collision, which occurred late at night in East London, was described by police at the time as “potentially life-threatening.” Antonio has since spoken candidly about the mental and physical toll of his recovery, revealing that doctors initially feared he might never walk again – let alone return to professional football.
Eight months on, the striker is now in the final stages of rehabilitation and exploring his options for one last chapter in the game. That process led to his visit to Leeds United’s training base earlier this summer, although Antonio was quick to dispel transfer rumours.
> “I was at Thorp Arch, yes – but it wasn’t for talks about signing,” Antonio told *The Football Hub* podcast. “I’ve got friends on the coaching staff there and it was more of a catch-up, seeing the facilities and talking about my recovery. Leeds are a massive club but there’s been no approach and no negotiations.”
Despite Antonio’s statement, his presence in West Yorkshire inevitably fuelled chatter among Leeds supporters, especially with the club actively seeking a striker before the transfer window closes. Daniel Farke’s side, back in the Premier League this season, have been linked with several attacking options but are yet to land a proven goalscorer.
Leeds’ only senior centre-forward at present is Patrick Bamford, who has faced persistent injury troubles in recent years. Youngster Mateo Joseph has impressed in flashes, but the squad remains light in the final third. The club’s recruitment team is understood to be weighing up both domestic and overseas targets, with loans and short-term deals not ruled out.
Antonio’s profile – physical presence, versatility across the front line, and Premier League pedigree – naturally makes him an attractive proposition on paper. But the key question remains whether he can regain full match fitness after such a serious injury.
For now, Antonio is focused on completing his recovery and has been training individually, as well as working with personal coaches. He insists he will only sign for a club once he feels capable of competing at the highest level.
> “I don’t want to take a contract if I can’t give 100%,” he said. “My body’s been through a lot, but I’m determined to finish my career on my terms.”
Leeds, meanwhile, continue their search – with fans now left to wonder whether Antonio’s brief stop at Thorp Arch could one day be more than just a social visit.
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