sevendayweekender – Watford have announced the signing of former West Ham United striker Michail Antonio on a free transfer.
The 36-year-old has joined the Hornets on a one-year contract after training with the club for the past month. Antonio’s last senior appearance for West Ham came against Leicester City on 3 December 2024.
The Hammers suffered a 3-1 defeat in that match before Antonio suffered a serious injury days later. Four days after the game, the forward broke his leg in a car accident.
Antonio later returned to West Ham during his rehabilitation after leaving the club in June 2025. He had spent 10 years with the Hammers before his departure.
During his rehabilitation, Antonio played two matches for West Ham’s under-21 side in Premier League 2. His most recent senior football came with Qatari club Al-Sailiya in April.
Antonio made four appearances for the Qatari side before returning to England. He had also trained with Leicester City last December as he continued his efforts to return to competitive football.
The experienced striker came close to joining Brentford during his recovery. However, Antonio suffered a torn calf muscle one day before he was due to sign for the Bees.
That injury ultimately prevented the proposed move from going ahead. Antonio is now looking forward to beginning another chapter of his career with Watford.
“Watford is a big club and hopefully I can come in and bring success and help wherever I can,” Antonio told the club’s website. The agreement with the Jamaican international remains subject to international clearance.
That clearance will determine whether Antonio can join the squad for Saturday’s Championship match against Stoke City.
Antonio Adds Experience to Watford Squad
Antonio brings extensive experience from English football’s professional divisions to Watford’s squad. Before joining West Ham in September 2015, he played for several clubs in the EFL.
His previous teams included Reading, Sheffield Wednesday, and Nottingham Forest. Antonio eventually established himself as an important figure at West Ham after making the move in 2015.
His decade-long spell with the Hammers included a long period competing at Premier League level. The forward’s physical style and versatility made him a valuable option throughout his career.
Watford are now hoping his experience can contribute to their Championship campaign under manager Alessio Dionisi. Antonio has already spent a month training with Dionisi’s squad, giving him familiarity with the team’s setup.
His arrival also provides Watford with another experienced attacking option for the remainder of the season. The transfer represents Watford’s 12th signing of the summer transfer window.
The Hornets currently sit 12th in the Championship after six matches under Dionisi. They have recorded two wins, two draws, and two defeats during their opening six league fixtures.
Antonio could therefore become available at an important stage of Watford’s early-season campaign. His immediate involvement will depend on the completion of the required international clearance.
Watford will hope the process is completed in time for Antonio to feature against Stoke City. The move gives the veteran forward another opportunity to return to regular competitive football.
It also gives Watford an experienced player who has spent much of his career operating at the highest level. After overcoming a serious leg injury and several setbacks, Antonio will now aim to make an impact at Vicarage Road.
His one-year contract gives both player and club an opportunity to assess his contribution throughout the season.
