Michail Antonio back in English football as he joins West Ham’s Championship rivals | OneFootball

Watford have completed the signing of former West Ham striker Michail Antonio on a free transfer.

The 36-year-old Jamaica international has not played in England since December 2024, following a brief stint with Qatari side Al-Sailiya earlier this year.

During a 10-year spell at West Ham, Antonio scored 68 goals to become their record Premier League goalscorer, but a broken leg suffered in a car accident ended his time playing for the club.

"It’s a good set of boys here," Antonio told watfordfc.com. "They are focused and ready to show their abilities this season.

"Watford is a big club and hopefully I can come in and bring success and help wherever I can.

"I’ve scored a few goals against Watford. So hopefully I can score some for Watford now when I’m fully up to speed."

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Antonio left West Ham last year (Mike Egerton/PA). (PA Wire)

After signing a one-year contract at Vicarage Road, he is awaiting international clearance to feature in Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship home fixture against Stoke.

Antonio trained with Leicester City in late 2025, sparking speculation linking him with a move to the east Midlands club.

A transfer did not materialise, and the Foxes were subsequently relegated to League One following a disastrous campaign.

Antonio has now joined a club in England’s second tier, with Watford aiming to secure promotion back to the Premier League this season.

Watford have collected eight points from their opening six games, having picked up two wins and two draws alongside two defeats. They are currently 12th in the table, two points adrift of the play-offs.

The Hornets are due to host Stoke on Saturday before travelling to play Bristol City next Friday in their final game before the international break.

Meanwhile, Antonio’s former club, West Ham, are second in the table with 11 points from six matches. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have made a strong start to the campaign, as they seek an immediate return to England’s top flight.

West Ham are due to play Wrexham on Friday night, prior to a Carabao Cup clash with Fulham next Tuesday. Their final game before the international break is a mouthwatering clash with London rivals Millwall.