Watford Sign Former West Ham Forward Michail Antonio on Free Transfer
Watford have added former West Ham United forward Michail Antonio to Alessio Dionisi’s squad, completing the free-agent signing of the 36-year-old after his departure from Al Sailiya earlier this year.
Antonio arrives at Vicarage Road following a brief spell in Qatar, where he played four times for Al Sailiya. The forward is returning to English football with considerable Premier League experience and said he is determined to contribute as Watford pursue a stronger Championship campaign.
“There is a good group here,” Antonio said after completing the move. “They are focused and ready to show what they can do this season.” He described Watford as a major club and said he hopes to help bring success, adding that, having scored against the Hornets in the past, he now wants to find the net for them once he is fully fit.
Return after a difficult final year at West Ham
Antonio spent 10 years with West Ham after joining the club in September 2015. Across 323 appearances, he produced 83 goals and 43 assists, becoming one of the defining attacking figures of the club’s modern era at the London Stadium.
His time with the Hammers ended after a serious car accident in December 2024. Antonio was involved in a one-car collision in Epping Forest when the vehicle hit a tree. He spent three weeks in a central London hospital and required surgery after suffering a fracture to his lower limb.
The striker later spoke candidly about the effect of the crash. In March 2025, he said he had not wanted to be seen after almost losing his life and admitted that viewing the damaged car again had left him with an uneasy feeling. Antonio has since worked his way back to full recovery and now has the opportunity to resume his career in the second tier.
Watford are 12th in the Championship after taking eight points from six matches. Antonio’s arrival gives Dionisi an experienced option in the forward line as the club seek to move upward in the early-season table.
A meeting with West Ham will have to wait. Watford and Antonio’s former club drew 1-1 on August 29, and the next fixture between the sides is scheduled for April.
