theglobalsun – 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 made his final senior appearance for West Ham in a 3-1 defeat against Leicester City.
That match took place on 3 December 2024 at a difficult stage of his career. Four days later, Antonio suffered a broken leg in a car crash.
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The serious injury sidelined him for an extended period and began a lengthy rehabilitation process. Antonio’s most recent competitive appearance came in April for Qatari club Al-Sailiya.
He made four appearances for the club before returning to England. The Jamaican international has since worked to regain his fitness and secure another opportunity in professional football.
Antonio trained with Watford under manager Alessio Dionisi for the past month before completing his move. “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 transfer remains subject to international clearance for the Jamaican forward. If clearance arrives in time, Antonio could be included in Watford’s squad for Saturday’s Championship home match.
The Hornets are scheduled to face Stoke City at Vicarage Road. Antonio’s move comes after a difficult period following his departure from West Ham.
The Hammers released him in June 2025 after a decade at the club. He subsequently returned to West Ham as part of his rehabilitation programme.
During that period, Antonio played two matches for the club’s under-21 team in Premier League 2. He also trained with Leicester City last December while continuing his recovery.
A potential move to Brentford was another opportunity that ultimately failed to materialize. Antonio suffered a torn calf muscle one day before he was due to sign for the Bees. The setback forced Brentford’s proposed move to collapse.
Antonio Brings Extensive EFL and Premier League Experience
Antonio began his career in the EFL before making the step up to Premier League football. Before joining West Ham in September 2015, he played for clubs including Reading and Sheffield Wednesday.
He also represented Nottingham Forest before securing his move to the Hammers. Antonio subsequently spent 10 years with West Ham and became an experienced Premier League forward.
His career has included extensive experience across English football’s professional divisions. Watford will now hope that experience can strengthen Dionisi’s attacking options this season.
The forward has already spent a month training alongside his new teammates. That period should help Antonio become familiar with Watford’s tactical approach and squad structure.
Antonio will wear the number 18 shirt at Vicarage Road following his arrival. He becomes Watford’s 12th signing of the summer transfer window.
The move gives the Hornets another experienced attacking option as they continue their Championship campaign. Watford currently sit 12th in the league after their opening six matches under Dionisi.
The club have recorded two victories, two draws, and two defeats during those six fixtures. Antonio’s availability could provide Dionisi with another option as Watford look to improve their position.
However, his immediate involvement depends on receiving the required international clearance. The club will hope that process is completed before the weekend’s meeting with Stoke City.
For Antonio, the transfer represents another opportunity to return to senior football after several injury setbacks.
His extensive experience could prove valuable as Watford pursue their goals during the remainder of the season.
After overcoming a serious leg injury and a subsequent calf problem, Antonio now has another chance to make an impact.
His one-year contract gives both player and club an opportunity to assess his contribution throughout the campaign.
