Manchester United are reportedly keen to sell Antony this summer as part of a wider squad overhaul, with the Brazilian winger expected to leave Old Trafford after struggling to make a significant impact since his arrival. The club is looking to recoup a sizable portion of the £86 million they paid to secure his services from Ajax in 2022.
Antony’s time at Manchester United has been marked by inconsistency. Despite glimpses of potential, he has often failed to live up to the high expectations placed on him. His performances in England have left fans and critics alike questioning his ability to thrive in the Premier League. However, following a loan move to Real Betis in January, the winger has found a much-needed resurgence.
During his loan spell at Betis, Antony has shown significant improvements, showcasing his talent in a more comfortable environment. He has made an impressive contribution with six goals and four assists in 19 appearances across all competitions, which has caught the attention of both his current club and potential suitors. His performances in La Liga have given him a platform to rediscover his best form, and he appears to be gradually rediscovering the confidence that once made him one of the most promising wingers in Europe.
Betis, who are reportedly interested in retaining Antony on a loan basis for another season, are not the only club monitoring his situation. Atletico Madrid, under the management of Diego Simeone, is also believed to be keeping a close eye on the player. There is speculation that Atletico might make a move for Antony on a permanent transfer if he continues to impress in Spain.
Although Antony still has two years left on his contract at Manchester United, it seems increasingly unlikely that he will feature prominently in the club’s plans moving forward. With new faces expected to arrive at Old Trafford, United are looking to offload players who have failed to deliver consistent performances, and Antony’s name has been added to the list of departures.
The asking price for Antony is reportedly between £34 million and £42 million (approximately €40 million to €50 million), which is considerably lower than the £86 million United initially paid for him. Despite this, Manchester United are hopeful of securing a decent fee for the winger, particularly given his recent resurgence at Betis. The club will likely aim to cash in on him as part of a broader strategy to refresh the squad and bring in players who better fit their tactical needs.
One of the key moments of Antony’s loan spell in Spain came recently when he scored a superb winner for Betis in their Europa Conference League semi-final against Fiorentina, securing a 2-1 victory for the Spanish side. This goal was a clear reminder of Antony’s ability, and should Betis win the competition, it would provide a fitting conclusion to what has been a highly successful loan stint for the Brazilian.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Antony’s future. With multiple clubs interested and Manchester United eager to cash in, it remains to be seen where he will be playing next season. However, it seems clear that his time at Old Trafford is nearing its end, with both the club and the player seeking new opportunities for the next chapter in his career.
