Michail Antonio Joins Championship Training as He Targets Football Return

Michail Antonio, a former forward for West Ham United, has been seen training with Leicester City, which has fueled rumors that the seasoned striker may make an incredible comeback to professional football.

The 35-year-old has been a free agent since leaving West Ham in June and is eager to resume his career after recovering from a serious leg injury sustained in a car crash late last year.

Michail Antonio has not featured in a competitive match since December 2024, when the collision left him with a leg broken in four places. The forward spent over three weeks in hospital following surgery, beginning an extensive rehabilitation process while his contract with the Hammers ran down. Despite his desire to play again, West Ham opted not to renew his deal, allowing him to depart after nine years at the club.

Now, with Leicester boss Marti Cifuentes in search of attacking reinforcements, Antonio has been invited to train with the Foxes to assess his fitness and sharpness. The Championship club could use his experience and power up front, particularly with Patson Daka due to miss several weeks in January while representing Zambia at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking to BBC East Midlands Today, Cifuentes praised Antonio’s attitude and early impressions in training.

“He has looked good and has been a good lad to have around as well,” the Spaniard said. “We are just having a look at him, and he is happy to train with us.”

Asked whether the aftermath of Antonio’s accident had visibly affected the striker, Cifuentes dismissed any concerns.

“Not at all,” he explained. “We are aware that he had already been training with another club before joining us, and he’s looking good in that sense.”

However, the manager admitted that regaining full match fitness will take time after such a lengthy layoff.

“Match fitness is what will take some time to regain,” he added. “It’s never easy. No matter how hard you train, the intensity and demands of real games are always different.”

Leicester, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, currently sit 13th in the Championship with 28 points from 20 matches. Cifuentes hopes Antonio’s presence — whether he signs or not — can provide a valuable boost in experience and leadership to his young squad.

As a free agent, Michail Antonio could be registered outside the transfer window if Leicester decide to offer him a short-term deal.