Michail Antonio holds talks over surprise move to Championship strugglers

Michail Antonio has held initial talks over joining Charlton Athletic, talkSPORT understands.

The forward has been without a club since leaving West Ham United last summer.

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Antonio departed the London Stadium after 10 years with the Hammers following the expiry of his contract.

Meanwhile, he has not played senior club football since breaking his leg in a car accident in December 2024.

However, he could now be set for a return to the Championship with Charlton Athletic.

The Addicks have held initial talks with the 35-year-old over linking up with Nathan Jones’ side.

However, nothing is advanced at this stage as Antonio searches for a new club.

He had previously been in talks with Leicester City regarding a short-term deal.

Antonio had been training with the Foxes last month before picking up an injury, which caused the move to fall through.

Charlton currently sit 18th in the Championship following their promotion last season.

Wednesday’s win over Stoke City saw them move seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Last season’s League One play-off winners are next in action at home to fellow strugglers Portsmouth on Tuesday night.

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They then travel to the south coast to face Southampton four days later.

Back to the second tier?

A move to The Valley would see Antonio make a return to the Championship.

He previously scored 28 goals and provided 30 assists across 142 appearances in the division for Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest and Reading.

Meanwhile, his time at West Ham saw him become the club’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League with 68 goals.

Across all competitions, the Jamaican international scored 83 goals in 323 appearances for the Hammers.

Despite his 14-month absence from club football, Antonio has played competitively since his car accident.

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He was part of Jamaica’s squad for last summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup in Canada and the USA.

Antonio made three substitute appearances as the Reggae Boyz were knocked out in the group stage.