Full Breakdown
Michail Antonio Set to Join Al-Sailiya After Recovery from Car Crash
2/27/2026, 1:02:21 AM
Transition to Al-Sailiya
Michail Antonio, the former West Ham United striker, is on the verge of signing a short-term contract with Qatar's Al-Sailiya. This move comes after a significant hiatus from club football due to a near-fatal car accident in December 2024, which resulted in multiple leg fractures. Antonio, 35, has been training with Charlton Athletic and had discussions about a pay-as-you-play deal but has opted for the Qatari Stars League club, where he is expected to play until the end of the current season, which has six matches remaining.
Background on Antonio's Career and Accident
Antonio has had a notable career, becoming West Ham's all-time leading Premier League goal scorer with 83 goals over ten years. His time with the club ended in June 2025, following the car crash that left him with severe injuries. Despite his challenges, he managed to represent Jamaica in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, marking his return to competitive football. However, he has not participated in club matches since his accident.
Interest from Other Clubs
Prior to his move to Al-Sailiya, Antonio was linked with several clubs, including Brentford and Leicester City, but those negotiations did not lead to a transfer. Portsmouth FC's manager, John Mousinho, also considered signing Antonio but ultimately decided against it, citing concerns about his physical condition post-accident. Mousinho remarked that while Antonio was flagged as a potential signing, the club felt he did not fit the profile they were looking for, especially given the severity of his injuries.
Criticism of Transfer Decisions
The decision not to pursue Antonio has drawn mixed reactions, particularly from Portsmouth fans, who have expressed a desire for the club to sign him, especially given their current struggles with injuries in the striker position. Mousinho acknowledged the challenges of integrating free agents into the squad, emphasizing that players returning from serious injuries often require time to regain their previous form.
Official Statements & Responses
Mousinho explained the club's rationale, stating, "Without being harsh on anyone like that, I think physically having been in a really serious car accident... we didn’t think it was the right profile to necessarily bring in." He further elaborated on the difficulties of signing free agents, noting that players who have been out of the game for a while often struggle to meet the physical demands of the Championship.
Verbatim Quotes
- “close to dying” — Michail Antonio, reflecting on his car accident.
- “He said: ‘Without being harsh on anyone like that, I think physically having been in a really serious car accident bringing in a fantastic Premier League player like that, who is one we flagged and we looked at, we didn’t think it was the right profile to necessarily bring in.” — John Mousinho, Portsmouth FC Manager.
What's Next for Antonio
As Antonio prepares to finalize his move to Al-Sailiya, he aims to resume his professional career and contribute to the team in the remaining matches of the season. Confirmation of his signing is anticipated in the coming days, marking a significant step in his recovery and return to football.
