Former West Ham United striker Michail Antonio has completed a return to English football after signing for Watford.
The 36-year-old has agreed a one-year deal with the Championship club after spending recent weeks training at Vicarage Road.
Antonio was a free agent following a brief spell with Al-Sailiya in Qatar and had been attempting to earn a Watford contract since August.
Read West Ham previously reported how Antonio had been handed the chance to train with Watford ahead of a possible West Ham reunion.
He has now convinced the Hornets to make that opportunity permanent.
Michail Antonio signs Watford contract
According to talkSPORT’s report on Antonio’s Watford move, the striker has signed a one-year contract and will wear the No.18 shirt.
Antonio could even feature against Stoke City this weekend, although his involvement is dependent on international clearance and his match fitness.
The former Hammer said Watford have a strong group and hopes he can help the club succeed once he is fully up to speed.
Antonio had been rebuilding his career after leaving West Ham in 2025 following the serious car crash he suffered in December 2024.
He later returned to competitive football with Al-Sailiya, with Read West Ham covering Antonio’s move to Qatar earlier this year.
His latest move now brings him back into the Championship.
Antonio could face West Ham again
Antonio remains one of West Ham’s most significant modern players.
He scored 83 goals in 323 appearances across a decade in east London and remains the club’s record Premier League goalscorer with 68.
The Jamaica international was also part of the West Ham side that lifted the Europa Conference League in Prague in 2023.
His move to Watford creates the possibility of another meeting with his former club later this season.
West Ham have already visited Vicarage Road during the 2026/27 Championship campaign, drawing 1-1 in August.
The return fixture is currently scheduled for April, meaning Antonio could eventually line up against the Hammers at London Stadium.
For now, his immediate challenge is proving he can still make an impact in the Championship after earning another opportunity in English football.
