Ammon News - Watford have signed Michail Antonio on a free transfer on a one-year deal, bringing the ​former West Ham United forward back to ‌English football.

The 36-year-old, West Ham's all-time leading Premier League goalscorer, was in a serious road accident in December ​2024 when his car hit a tree ​on the way home from training. He broke ⁠his thigh bone in four places and ​did not play for the club again.

Antonio left West ​Ham in August 2025 after the London club opted not to renew his contract. They were relegated to the ​second-tier Championship after finishing 18th in the Premier ​League the last season.

He joined Qatari side Al-Sailiya in March, ‌his ⁠first club since undergoing surgery following the accident.

"It's a good set of boys here," Antonio said in a statement on Friday. "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.

Watford are 12th ​in the Championship with eight points from six matches.


Reuters