Ex-West Ham striker Antonio joins Watford

What the report says

Watford have confirmed the signing of former West Ham United striker Michail Antonio on a free transfer, with the 36-year-old agreeing a one-year deal at Vicarage Road. BBC Sport reported that the move is subject to international clearance, which would make him available for Watford’s Championship match against Stoke City on Saturday.

Antonio arrives after a long spell out of top-level action. He had not played for West Ham since a Premier League match against Leicester City in December 2024, when he later suffered a broken leg in a car crash. More recently, he made four appearances for Qatari club Al-Sailiya and had spent the past month training with Watford. He was released by West Ham in June 2025 after 10 years with the club, where he became a key attacking option.

The Jamaica international said the club’s size was a major attraction and that he hoped to contribute to their success. Watford said he will wear the number 18 shirt. The signing is their 12th of the summer as they continue to reshape Alessio Dionisi’s squad, with the Hornets currently 12th in the Championship after six games. The move adds experience to a squad looking to build momentum early in the season.