Michail Antonio’s potential Championship transfer gathers pace as a club recalls a loaned striker

Michail Antonio’s potential switch to the Championship appears to be gathering pace, with Leicester City now better positioned to complete a deal following the departure of Julian Carranza in January.

Carranza, 25, arrived at the King Power Stadium on a season-long loan from Dutch heavyweights Feyenoord back in September, but the move never truly worked out for either party. The Argentine striker struggled to establish himself under Marti Cifuentes and failed to make any meaningful impact during his short spell in the Midlands.

Despite featuring nine times in the Championship, Carranza did not register a single goal or assist and has not appeared for Leicester since early November. His lack of involvement made his exit increasingly inevitable, and the club has now confirmed his return to Feyenoord.

In a brief statement shared on X, Leicester said: “We can confirm that striker Julian Carranza has returned to parent club Feyenoord following the conclusion of his loan spell at King Power Stadium. He leaves with our thanks and best wishes for the future.”

Carranza’s departure has freed up space in Leicester’s attacking options and could open the door for Antonio, who has been training with the Foxes in recent weeks. The veteran forward is currently available on a free transfer after being released by West Ham United, bringing an end to a decade-long spell in east London.

Antonio, now 35, has not played competitive football since suffering a serious leg injury late last year. The striker broke his leg in four places following a car accident in December 2024, an incident that cast uncertainty over his playing future. Despite that setback, Antonio has remained determined to continue his career and has been working his way back to full fitness.

Although West Ham chose not to offer him a new contract, the club allowed Antonio to continue his rehabilitation at their facilities, a gesture that highlighted the strong relationship between player and club. Since then, Antonio has been assessing his options and has been keen to prove that he still has plenty to offer at professional level.

Leicester have been monitoring his progress closely, with head coach Marti Cifuentes confirming last month that talks were ongoing regarding a permanent move. Speaking openly about the situation, the Spaniard praised Antonio’s experience and professionalism.

“He’s a player with big Premier League experience,” Cifuentes said. “He’s training with us at the moment and we’re having a look. He’s a good footballer. He’s coming from a period without a team, but he’s only been training with us for a couple of days and he’s been looking good. He’s also a good lad to have around the group.”

Leicester currently sit 13th in the Championship table and are looking to stabilise their season after an inconsistent run of form. Bringing in an experienced forward like Antonio could provide leadership and depth in attack as the campaign enters its crucial stages.

Carranza is not expected to be the only player heading for the exit door this month. Leicester are believed to be keen on reducing their wage bill, with several high-earning players facing uncertain futures at the club.

According to talkSPORT, Harry Winks, Wout Faes and Boubakary Soumare could all be moved on before the transfer window closes. All three were left out of the matchday squad for Leicester’s recent 3-1 defeat away to Sheffield United, a decision that raised further questions about their standing within the squad.

Leicester fell behind after goals from Japhet Tanganga, Thomas Cannon and Callum O’Hare, with Jordan James scoring a late consolation for the Foxes. The result marked their third loss in four matches, adding pressure ahead of their upcoming fixtures.

Winks has not featured for Leicester since being substituted at half-time during a 3-2 home defeat to Sheffield United back in November. His continued absence has fuelled speculation about his future, particularly with his contract set to expire in six months. When questioned on the midfielder’s situation last month, Cifuentes described his omission as a “technical decision” and avoided being drawn into discussions over a potential exit.

“I’ve already explained the situation. There is no news on that,” Cifuentes said. “I’d rather focus on the players who have been doing very well this week.”

Faes, meanwhile, has slipped down the pecking order and is now considered fourth-choice centre-back, while Soumare has also found himself on the fringes of the squad. Like Winks, Soumare’s contract runs out in the summer, making a January move a realistic possibility.

Leicester will look to put their recent struggles behind them when they return to home action on Monday night, hosting West Bromwich Albion at the King Power Stadium in their first home fixture of 2026. Whether Antonio’s future is resolved by then remains to be seen, but his potential arrival is edging ever closer as Leicester reshape their squad for the remainder of the season.