Antonio set to sign with Qatari club Al‑Sailiya

Jamaica international Michail Antonio is set to sign a short-term deal with Qatari Stars League club Al-Sailiya for the remainder of the season, in his bid to return to competitive club football.

Antonio was involved in a harrowing case crash in Essex, England in December 2024 where he had to be removed and airlifted to the hospital.

The striker had suffered a broken leg, among other injuries, which placed major doubt on whether he would be able to return to the field of play.

He has since made a remarkable recovery from the accident, and has been in search of a new club, following the expiry of his contract with English Premier League club West Ham United in June last year.

After his time ended with West Ham, Antonio explored several options and trained with English Football League Championship club Leicester City and was reportedly in talks with the club surrounding a short-term deal which did not bear fruit.

It was reported Antonio was also in talks with Brentford over a proposed deal, and trained briefly with Charlton Athletic and held talks with the club about a contract.

However, Antonio is poised to leave the English football pyramid for the first time in his club career, as he is reportedly set to sign with Al-Sailiya.

The contract will be a short-term deal, as there are only six games left in the Qatari Stars League.

Al-Sailiya currently sit 10th in the league table with a record of four wins, three draws and nine defeats this season.

Antonio is expected to join international teammate Mason Holgate who is currently at Al-Sailiya on loan from his parent club Al-Gharafa, also in the Qatari league.

His move to the Middle East is expected to be confirmed in the coming days.

Antonio has not competed in a competitive club game since his accident in December 2024, but the striker has played in the national colours following the accident.

He trained with the national team ahead of the Unity Cup last year, and was named in Steve McClaren’s squad for the Gold Cup.

Antonio made cameo appearances in all three games for Jamaica.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com