Quick Read
- Michail Antonio is training with Leicester City as a free agent after leaving West Ham United in the summer.
- He has not played senior football since a serious road accident in December 2024 but has featured for West Ham Under-21s to regain fitness.
- Antonio and Leicester City are discussing a short-term deal amid the club’s financial constraints.
- Antonio spent ten seasons at West Ham, scoring 83 goals in 323 appearances.
- Leicester City are 13th in the Championship, three points from the play-off spots.
Michail Antonio Trains With Leicester City After Year-Long Absence
For Michail Antonio, the journey back to football has been anything but straightforward. The former West Ham United striker, known for his relentless energy and powerful runs, has spent nearly a year off the pitch after a serious road accident in December last year. Now, as 2025 draws to a close, Antonio is training with Leicester City and negotiating a possible short-term deal that could mark his return to competitive club football.
Recovering From Adversity: Antonio’s Remarkable Rehabilitation
Antonio’s absence from senior football wasn’t just the result of his contract expiration at West Ham United. The Jamaica international faced a lengthy and challenging rehabilitation following the accident, a period he described as “very hard to get over.” Yet, Antonio’s determination saw him recover faster than expected—what was initially projected as a 12-month injury, he managed to overcome in just five and a half months.
He credits his drive and focus for the rapid turnaround: “I managed to play for Jamaica in the summer and I managed to score two goals in the 21s game, so it shows I can still get goals. I’m very good, I’m very happy, I’m very content with where I am.” These words, shared publicly, reflect a player who is not only physically ready but mentally eager to prove his worth again.
Leicester City: A Club in Transition and Financial Constraint
Antonio’s path to Leicester comes at a time when the club itself faces significant challenges. The 2015-16 Premier League champions are currently 13th in the Championship table after 20 games, just three points shy of the play-off positions. Yet, financial limitations have forced Leicester to be prudent in their dealings, making a short-term arrangement with Antonio an appealing proposition for both sides.
Antonio was at Leicester’s training ground for talks on Thursday and continued training with Marti Cifuentes’s squad on Friday. While no formal deal has been signed yet, the club’s need for experienced attacking options—combined with Antonio’s readiness and free agent status—could make this partnership a reality. According to The Telegraph and Yahoo Sports, the discussions remain ongoing, with Antonio’s future hanging in the balance as Leicester weighs their options.
Life After West Ham: Antonio’s Relentless Pursuit of Fitness
Since his contract expired at West Ham at the end of last season, Antonio has refused to let his career fade quietly. He continued his rehabilitation with the support of West Ham, even appearing for their Under-21s in August in a Premier League 2 match against Nottingham Forest. This cameo was more than just a fitness exercise—it was a statement that Antonio, at 35, still has the hunger and ability to perform at a competitive level.
To maintain match fitness, Antonio also spent time training with Brentford earlier this season. Off the pitch, he’s made his mark in the media, appearing as a pundit for TNT Sports during Nottingham Forest’s Europa League tie at Utrecht. But despite his growing media profile, Antonio has made it clear that retirement is not on his agenda.
What’s Next for Antonio and Leicester?
The coming weeks will be crucial. For Leicester City, a short-term deal with Antonio could inject much-needed experience and attacking threat as they chase play-off ambitions in a tightly contested Championship season. For Antonio, it’s an opportunity to prove—both to himself and the football world—that he remains a force to be reckoned with, even after a year marked by adversity.
Antonio’s decade at West Ham, where he scored 83 goals in 323 appearances, is a testament to his longevity and impact. As he weighs his next steps, Antonio’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the unwavering belief that he still has something to offer at the highest level.
Antonio’s potential comeback with Leicester City isn’t just a football story—it’s a human story of perseverance in the face of setbacks. If the deal materializes, it could be a win-win: a seasoned striker finds his way back, and a club in need gains a proven leader. Ultimately, Antonio’s journey reminds us that the road to recovery, much like football itself, is unpredictable—but determination can turn uncertainty into opportunity.