Watford have confirmed the signing of free agent and former West Ham striker Michail Antonio.
Watford have made an acceptable start to the 2026/27 Championship campaign, climbing to 12th in the standings with a 2-1 victory over Preston North End on Tuesday night.
With the departures of Nestory Irankunda -- who joined Sporting CP for €15.00m -- and Giorgi Chakvetadze -- who joined sister-club Udinese for €2.55m -- there was a glaring need to add attacking reinforcement in the summer transfer window, and they did so soundly.
Iker Bravo, Myron Boadu and Luca Kjerrumgaard joined to add more depth in the centre forward department, while the arrival of Stephy Mavididi added extra cover on the left-flank.
In Antonio, Hornets manager Alessio Dionisi is getting a player who -- while most comfortable leading the line -- has plied his trade on both flanks over the years.
Upon signing a one-year deal for the club, Antonio said: “It’s a good set of boys here. 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."
Antonio -- who is set to wear number 18 for the Hornets -- has not played a game in England since December 2024, most recently plying his trade with Qatari outfit Al-Sailiya in an attempt to get back up to speed.
Despite earlier spells for Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest and more, it was at West Ham where the versatile forward made a name for himself, trading the City Ground for the Boleyn Ground in a deal worth a reported £7m back in 2015.
Renowned for his remarkable transition from a right-back to a striker, Antonio enjoyed quite the 10-year spell with the Hammers, making 323 appearances, scoring 83 goals and helping the club to the UEFA Conference League in 2023.
It's yet to be seen as to what level Antonio will return at after such a lengthy layoff at the top level, but he's reportedly ready to make himself available ahead of schedule to aid the team.
