It appears this writer's somber prediction was potentially correct: the decision to decline Michail Antonio, for whatever perceived frailty, is a choice that may well haunt Leicester City as they languish in the EFL Championship. He is fit, and is now being paid big money to play!
Meanwhile, current striking options at the King Power are nothing short of dreadful. Jordan Ayew, in particular, looked almost entirely disinterested in recent footage from the Norwich City clash. An unacceptable cameo performance that lacked the basic industry and required for a survival scrap.
The Michail Antonio timeline
​The timeline of Antonio's in-between situation fluctuates dramatically. Following his departure from West Ham United following a harrowing recovery from his 2024 car accident, the forward had to 'swallow his ego' and accept trials, his agent insisted.
The Jamaica international spent two weeks at Brentford and was on the verge of signing before a devastating calf injury scuppered the deal. Subsequently arriving at LCFC's Seagrave training centre. Practicing with the Foxes throughout December.
While former City manager Marti Cifuentes was initially enthusiastic, the club ultimately pulled the plug when a muscle strain surfaced. Well, that's the claim!
The reality of Leicester City's Michail Antonio mess
​While City cited fitness, Antonio has since pulled back the curtain on the true, embarrassing nature of his 'rejection'. He revealed that despite his willingness to return after his injury healed, Leicester refused to offer a second chance.
According to the the 35-year-old, the hierarchy simply 'didn’t want a relapse on their books'. Leicester prioritised financial risk mitigation over on-pitch potency. That decision may eventually sting!
"A subsequent interest from Leicester City also evaporated, as he noted the Foxes "didn't want a relapse on their books."GOAL quoting Antonio
​Rejecting a proven Premier League talisman to lean on uninspiring alternatives (the King Power geniuses signed four loanees, two of whom appear unnecessary) is a significant gamble. While Leicester played it safe with their spreadsheets, Antonio has now departed for football's 'gold-digging capital'.
The attacker signed a short-term deal with Al-Sailiya in Qatar. As he heads for the desert, the Foxes are left in the dust, wondering if a 'pay-as-you-play' risk might have been the very thing to save their season.