Antonio signs one-year Watford deal
Michail Antonio is back in English football, with talkSPORT reporting that Watford have handed the former Hammer a one-year deal and the number 18 shirt.
The 36-year-old most recently played for Al-Sailiya in Qatar. He has not played competitively in England since December 2024, when he suffered a broken leg in a car crash.
An immediate start is not expected. The report says Antonio is working towards match fitness and could be involved against Stoke City subject to international clearance. If not, a trip to Bristol City is identified as the next possible debut.
Antonio left West Ham with 83 goals from 323 appearances and a Conference League winner's medal. Watford are getting a vastly experienced striker, but the sensible first job is getting him properly ready to play.
Sources
- talkSPORT (opens in a new tab) — Reports that Michail Antonio has signed a one-year deal with Watford and is preparing to return to English football after playing in Qatar and recovering from a serious injury.
- BBC (opens in a new tab) — Reports that Watford have announced the free-transfer signing of former West Ham striker Michail Antonio on a one-year deal, subject to international clearance.
- The Independent (opens in a new tab) — Reports that former West Ham striker Michail Antonio has returned to English football by joining Watford on a one-year free transfer, subject to international clearance.
- The Straits Times (opens in a new tab) — Reports that former West Ham forward Michail Antonio has joined Watford on a free transfer on a one-year deal after leaving West Ham and spending time with Al-Sailiya.
- Evening Standard (opens in a new tab) — Reports that former West Ham striker Michail Antonio has signed a short-term deal with Watford after leaving West Ham and briefly playing in Qatar.