West Ham United could use a ten goal a season striker right now. Michail Antonio was that man for four consecutive season’s for the Hammers, and the 35-year-old now looks set to return to club football for the first time since leaving the club in June of 2025.
The Jamaican international had a been a stalwart for West Ham, before a near-fatal car crash saw him away from the pitch as his Iron’s contract ended. Antonio hoped to continue playing football, and is now expected to, joining Qatar side Al-Sailiya, after training with Charlton Athletic.
Antonio has not stepped onto a pitch in club football since his accident in December 2024, where the forward was left with multiple fractures in his leg. The 35-year-old did play for Jamaica at the Gold Cup in 2025, but that is the last time he played competitive football.
Leaving England for pastures new
The former West Ham striker had been training with Charlton Athletic. Whilst their, there was discussions of a pay-as-you-play deal with the Addicks, but Antonio has now chosen to move on to Qatar.
Leicester City and Brentford also held talks with the Hammers record goal scorer, but nothing materialised, leaving the player in free agent limbo. Portsmouth boss John Mousinho also spoke to Antonio, but their discussions never got close to agreeing a deal.
Antonio now head’s oversees joining Al-Sailiya in the Qatari Stars League. The club have six games left of their season. Confirmation of the signing of the 35-year-old in the coming days.
West Ham’s record goalscorer
Whilst Antonio’s time with West Ham was cut short, he remains the club’s all-time leading Premier League goal scorer. In ten years with the club, the 35-year-old netted 83 goals, 68 of which were in England’s top flight.
Michail Antonio’s West Ham United Statistics
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 323 | 83 | 38 |
Whilst goals are what Antonio will be remembered for in a Hammers shirt, the striker first joined the club as a makeshift winger. He had begun his career as a full-back. After being thrust into attack, the Jamaican international flourished, using his strength to body defenders out of the way.
Antonio now finally carries on his career, just under two years from a horrific accident that made you think, there’s more than football.
