Ex-EPL star has new club: Almost Sichenje's teammate, now joins Olunga in Qatar
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 27.02.26. | 13:00
Over a year after a severe car crash he survived, the former West Ham striker Michail Antonio signed a short-term deal with the Qatari Al-Sailiya, although he was in talks with Charlton Athletic
The past 15 months have been turbulent for Michail Antonio. West Ham United's eighth all-time leading scorer, with 83 goals, was involved in a serious car accident in December 2024 and hasn't played for the Hammers since.
Following the crash, he played only five games (three for Jamaica and two for West Ham U-21), clocking 169 minutes on the pitch. Since the beginning of the season, he was neither in the London side's youth squad nor the first team, and parting ways after 10 years was inevitable.
According to the BBC, Antonio has been keeping himself in shape at Charlton Athletic over the past months and was close to joining the Addicks and their Harambee Stars international Collins Sichenje, but the two parties ultimately failed to reach an agreement.
However, the same source claims the 35-year-old has found a new club, as he is set to sign a short-term deal with Qatari club Al-Sailiya, joining another Kenyan international, the Harambee Stars captain, Michael Olunga.
Michail Antonio is reportedly set to sign a short-term deal with Qatari Stars League side Al Sailiya after talks with Charlton slowed. 🔜 pic.twitter.com/dpKSLQrnXH
— SleeperFootballNews (@SleeperFootNews) February 26, 2026
Antonio is supposed to spend two months with his new team, as the Qatar Stars League has entered its final stage, with six rounds to go. Al-Sailiya are currently ninth, but tied with two more teams on the verge of the relegation zone.
The experienced striker will undoubtedly be a valuable asset for the Doha side in their survival battle, while he'll be able to maintain his fitness ahead of Jamaica's appearance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup inter-confederation play-offs.
The Reggae Boyz will first face the underdogs New Caledonia on March 26, and, in case of a win, five days later play a decisive duel against DR Congo.