Former West Ham United striker Michail Antonio is currently training with Leicester City as the Championship side considers whether to offer the Jamaica international a contract.
Leicester’s 2025–26 campaign has been inconsistent so far. The Foxes sit 13th after 20 league matches, although their form has improved slightly in recent weeks. Marti Cifuentes’ team has taken ten points from their last six fixtures, which marks a significant improvement from the slump that saw pressure mount heavily on the manager earlier in the season.
Before a 2–1 win over Norwich City in early November, Leicester had celebrated only one victory since late August. Their promotion hopes began to fade during that spell, leaving Cifuentes under growing scrutiny. A modest resurgence has steadied the situation for now, and the club appears to be exploring ways to strengthen ahead of a crucial stretch of the campaign.
Michail Antonio trains with Leicester City
Several Championship clubs have picked up experienced Premier League players on free transfers this season, including Danny Ings and Nathan Redmond. Leicester may be preparing to follow that trend as they assess Antonio.
According to John Percy of The Telegraph, Antonio trained with Leicester on Thursday and held initial discussions with the club. No decision has been made regarding a permanent deal.
Antonio has been sidelined since a serious car accident last December left him with a broken leg and a femur fractured in four places. The injury required surgery and a lengthy stay in hospital, and he has not played club football since.
The veteran forward scored 83 goals in 323 appearances during his decade with West Ham, including 68 in the Premier League. He also has substantial Championship experience from spells with Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday and Reading.
Why Antonio could be a smart signing
Leicester’s financial constraints have limited their transfer options, and that situation is expected to continue into the January window. Bringing in seasoned free agents would therefore represent sensible business.
Antonio’s experience at the highest level would add valuable leadership to the dressing room and bolster Cifuentes’ attacking options. Leicester have scored 27 goals in 20 matches, placing them mid-table in terms of attacking output. The addition of a proven goalscorer could provide a significant boost as they look to climb the standings in the second half of the season.