Watford secure Michail Antonio on one‑year deal to boost their Championship push

Michail Antonio, the 36‑year‑old former West Ham forward, has signed a one‑year contract with Watford, marking his return to English football after a two‑year spell abroad. The deal was announced on 11 Sep 2026 by Daniel Orme, Sports Writer for Comments Sport, and includes a view of two Images from Getty.

Why Watford moved for Antonio

Watford sit 12th in the Championship after six games and are looking for a proven goal‑scorer to lift their season. Antonio, who has previously netted against the Hornets, described the squad as “a good set of boys … focused and ready to show their abilities this season”. He added that Watford is “a big club” where he hopes to “bring success and help wherever I can”.

The club’s interest is also linked to Antonio’s experience in English football. He amassed 83 goals in 323 appearances for West Ham, helped the Hammers win the Conference League title in 2023, and has featured for Reading, Cheltenham Town, Southampton, Colchester United, Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest.

What the signing means for both sides

Antonio became a free agent after leaving Qatari side Al‑Sailiya in the summer, following a brief spell in the Middle East. He had been without a club since that departure, having recovered from a devastating car crash in December 2024 that left his leg shattered and nearly cost him his life.

His move signals the first return to English football since his exit from West Ham. The Hornets could see him debut this weekend when they host Stoke City at Vicarage Road, giving the 36‑year‑old a platform to prove he is “fully up to speed”.

Previously, Antonio was close to moves to Leicester City and Brentford, but neither side agreed a deal. The Watford contract therefore offers him the chance to revive his career, while the club gains a veteran forward capable of adding goals and leadership.

The article is tagged US ON Football and appears under the heading Comments Sport, with the words Image and Images used throughout the piece.