Veteran Jamaican international Michail Antonio is on the verge of reigniting his professional career with a potential move to English Championship side Leicester City. The 35-year-old striker, currently training with the Foxes as a free agent, could sign a short-term contract that would bolster both club and country ambitions.
Antonio’s journey back to competitive football follows a harrowing car accident in December that resulted in a broken leg, compounded by a calf injury that disrupted his national team participation. After a decade-long tenure with West Ham United that yielded 83 goals and 43 assists in 323 appearances, the powerful forward has been without a club since June.
The potential signing comes at a critical juncture for both player and club. Leicester, relegated from the Premier League last season, sits 13th in the Championship and seeks offensive reinforcement with their current strike force managing just five combined goals in 22 matches. Manager Marti Cifuentes expressed optimism about Antonio’s trial, noting: ‘He’s been looking good in training and possesses experience that could benefit the team. While match fitness requires time, his strengths align with our needs.’
For Antonio, club football represents the pathway to international redemption. The Reggae Boyz face crucial inter-confederation play-offs in March 2026 after failing to secure automatic World Cup qualification. Antonio has openly declared his ambition to help Jamaica reach their first World Cup since 1998, stating: ‘We’re now six games away from being qualified, and these matches are very doable for us.’
Interim Jamaica head coach Rudolph Speid has emphasized selecting active players, making Antonio’s potential signing with Leicester particularly significant. The striker would join international teammate Bobby Reid at the club, potentially creating valuable synergy for the national team.
Both parties indicate mutual interest in finalizing a deal before the new year, which would mark Antonio’s return to competitive football exactly one year after his last Premier League appearance—ironically, against Leicester in West Ham’s 1-3 defeat on December 3, 2024.