Leicester City’s pursuit of veteran striker Michail Antonio has come to an abrupt end after the forward suffered a fresh injury during training, extinguishing hopes of a short-term deal during the January transfer window.
Manager Marti Cifuentes confirmed that the setback, though described as minor, was enough to halt negotiations entirely, forcing the Championship side to explore alternative attacking options.
“Michail got a setback in training. It’s a small injury. It’s a pity,” Cifuentes told BBC Radio Leicester. “That probably means that we will not be able to continue the process we started.”
A comeback carefully restarted, then stopped again
Antonio, 35, had been edging toward a remarkable return following a horrific car crash late 2024 that left his femur fractured in four places. After more than a year of rehabilitation, the former West Ham United forward began training with Leicester in December as part of an assessment for a potential short-term contract.
Having departed West Ham at the end of last season, Antonio entered the market as a free agent, hoping his experience and physical presence could still make an impact. Early signs suggested optimism on both sides.
Cifuentes previously described Antonio as “a great professional” and praised not only his footballing qualities but his character within the training environment.
Momentum lost at a critical moment
Just weeks earlier, Leicester’s manager had openly acknowledged mutual interest, hinting that a deal was close if fitness benchmarks were met.
“There’s no reason to train together if there’s no mutual interest,” Cifuentes had said. “We are discussing whether he can help the team if ready.”
That momentum evaporated quickly when Antonio sustained a muscle injury during a session, bringing the trial period to an unplanned conclusion.
“Unfortunately, a minor injury occurred during training, and we could no longer proceed with the process,” Cifuentes explained. “It’s especially regrettable because he showed great qualities both as a footballer and a person.”
A storied career, interrupted again
Antonio remains one of West Ham United’s most recognizable modern-era figures, having scored 83 goals across a decade with the club. His blend of strength, pace, and resilience made him a symbolic presence in the Premier League, and his recovery from near-fatal injury had already been viewed as a triumph of determination.
This latest setback does not end his ambition to return, but it delays it once more, underscoring the physical challenges facing a player attempting to resume top-level competition in his mid-thirties.
Leicester turn focus elsewhere
With the January transfer window open and promotion ambitions still firmly in sight, Leicester will now redirect their search for attacking reinforcements.
“The window is open,” Cifuentes said. “We’re going to try to see what other options are available. We discuss daily with the club, and if opportunities arise, we will do our best to strengthen the team.”
Antonio’s journey back from the brink has already defied expectation. While this latest injury has paused his progress once again, it has not extinguished his resolve. For now, his next step remains unclear, but his determination to lace up his boots again has not disappeared.
As he stands once more at the starting line, the football world continues to watch.
