Sky Bet Championship side Watford have completed the signing of former West Ham United striker Michail Antonio on a free transfer.
The 36-year-old has agreed a one-year contract with the Hornets and is now waiting for international clearance before he can officially make his debut for the club.
If clearance is received in time, Antonio could be involved when Watford host Stoke City on Saturday, giving the experienced forward an opportunity to begin a new chapter in English football.
Antonio is eager to make an immediate contribution to a Watford squad he believes has the right mentality to compete this season.
“It’s a good set of boys here,” Antonio told Watford official media outlet. “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.”
Antonio Brings Wealth of Experience to a Young Watford Side
Watford head coach Alessio Dionisi is hoping Antonio’s experience can provide an important boost to a relatively young squad.
The Italian manager intends to use the veteran forward not only for his qualities on the pitch but also for his ability to offer guidance, mentorship and coaching influence to younger members of the team.
At 36, Antonio arrives with extensive experience of English football and European competition, having won the UEFA Conference League with West Ham in 2023.
His presence could therefore provide valuable leadership to a Watford squad that currently has the youngest average starting line-up in the Championship.
For a young group still developing under Dionisi, Antonio’s experience of playing at the highest level could prove particularly useful during the demanding Championship campaign.
Antonio’s West Ham Legacy
Antonio joined West Ham in September 2015 after completing a move from Nottingham Forest.
Over the following decade, he established himself as one of the most important forwards in the club’s modern history, becoming West Ham’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League.
His powerful running, physical strength and versatility made him a key figure for the Hammers, with the forward capable of operating both centrally and from wider positions.
Antonio made his final senior appearance for West Ham in a 3-1 defeat against Leicester City on December 3, 2024.
Four days later, his career was interrupted by a serious car accident in which he suffered a broken leg.
After being released by West Ham in June 2025 following a 10-year spell at the club, Antonio returned to the Hammers during his rehabilitation and made two appearances for the under-21 side in Premier League 2.
Road Back to English Football
Antonio’s move to Watford represents another important stage in his return to competitive football.
His most recent senior football came in Qatar, where he played for Al-Sailiya in April and made four appearances for the club.
The striker had also trained with Leicester City last December as he continued working towards full fitness.
A potential move to Brentford was close to being completed, but the deal collapsed after Antonio suffered a torn calf muscle on the day before he was due to sign for the Bees.
As a result, he has not played a senior competitive match in England since December 2024.
His arrival at Watford now gives him another opportunity to return to English football and prove that he still has plenty to offer.
Number 18 at Vicarage Road
Antonio will wear the number 18 shirt at Watford and becomes the club’s 12th signing of the summer transfer window.
The Hornets currently sit 12th in the Championship after winning two and drawing two of their opening six matches under Dionisi.
Antonio’s arrival could therefore provide another attacking option as Watford look to improve their position and build momentum during the season.
For the experienced Jamaican international, meanwhile, the move offers something equally important: another opportunity to write a new chapter in a career that has already taken him from the Championship to Premier League success and European glory.
Now, Watford will hope his next chapter begins with goals.
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