Michail Antonio has completed a free transfer to Championship side Watford, signing a one-year deal that marks his return to English football following a serious car accident and a brief spell in Qatar. The move was confirmed by Watford on Friday, 11 September.
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The Road Back to English Football
Antonio’s return to England comes nearly two years after his career was interrupted by a serious car accident in December 2024, in which he broke his leg in multiple places days after his final appearance for West Ham United. He did not play for the Hammers again and was released by the club in the summer of 2025 after a decade at the London Stadium.
During that time, Antonio became West Ham’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer with 68 goals, while netting 83 times in 323 appearances across all competitions for the club. He later returned to West Ham briefly during his rehabilitation, making two appearances for their Under-21 side, before signing for Qatari club Al-Sailiya earlier in 2026. His stint there was short-lived, making just four appearances before his contract ended in the summer.
Ahead of completing his move to Vicarage Road, Antonio had already been training with Alessio Dionisi’s Watford squad for around a month as he worked to rebuild his fitness.
Deal Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Michail Antonio |
| Age | 36 |
| Nationality | Jamaica |
| Previous Club | Al-Sailiya (Qatar) |
| New Club | Watford |
| Contract Length | One year |
| Transfer Fee | Free transfer |
| Squad Number | 18 |
What Antonio Brings to Watford
Watford, who have one of the youngest starting line-ups in the Championship this season, are understood to view Antonio’s experience and mentorship as a key part of what he offers the squad, in addition to his on-field quality once he reaches full match fitness. The club has indicated he is likely still around a month away from being able to contribute fully, even if he is available for selection sooner.
The move is pending international clearance, but there remains a possibility Antonio could be involved for Watford’s Championship home fixture against Stoke City on Saturday.
Speaking to Watford’s official website after signing, Antonio said he was looking forward to helping the squad achieve success, adding that the players he has trained with appear focused and ready for the season ahead.
A Well-Travelled Career
Before his decade at West Ham, Antonio began his career at non-league side Tooting & Mitcham United and played for Reading, Sheffield Wednesday, and Nottingham Forest. Across his entire club career, he has made 566 appearances, scoring 131 goals and providing 81 assists.
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FAQs
What contract has Michail Antonio signed with Watford?
He has signed a one-year deal on a free transfer, joining after his contract with Qatari club Al-Sailiya ended.
Why had Michail Antonio been out of English football?
He suffered a serious car accident in December 2024 that broke his leg in multiple places, ending his time at West Ham without another appearance for the club.
How many goals did Michail Antonio score for West Ham?
He became West Ham’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer with 68 goals, and scored 83 times in 323 appearances across all competitions.
Will Michail Antonio be available for Watford’s next match?
His debut is pending international clearance, with a potential appearance possible against Stoke City, though the club expects he needs about another month to reach full fitness.
Which clubs did Michail Antonio play for before West Ham?
He began his career at Tooting & Mitcham United before playing for Reading, Sheffield Wednesday, and Nottingham Forest.
