Manchester United must have hoped Antony’s impressive form while on loan at Real Betis last season would have been enough for him to secure an exit.
In anticipation, the Red Devils slapped a £50 million asking price, but most teams stayed away. The Spanish side were keen to bring the Brazilian back, but only on loan.
INEOS, on the other hand, are keen to move him on permanently, but with the winger insisting on a return to Betis, an exit has proved to be complicated.
Saudi Pro League sides had enquired about the ex-Ajax ace, only for him to turn them down.
Antony to be sold
Now, as per Antenados no Futebol, two Brazilian clubs have also tried to swoop for the 25-year-old but the Brazil international has refused them both, stating he is not interested in a return to his homeland at this stage of his career.
His former club Sao Paulo and Botafogo had both expressed their interest, only to receive a negative response.
Interestingly, Antony’s former club still holds a percentage of his rights, which means they will receive money when United eventually sell him. Which is why, even if they fail with a move, they are monitoring proceedings with interest.
“Off the field, the transfer market continues to be a buzz behind the scenes at Sao Paulo. One name that’s back on the agenda is Antony. A product of the club’s youth academy, the striker currently plays for Manchester United in England and excelled last season on loan at Real Betis in Spain.
“According to information revealed by “Canal do Medeiros”, Botafogo showed interest in signing Antony and made inquiries about the Brazilian from the Red Devils.
Return to Brazil ruled out
“The Rio de Janeiro club was looking to strengthen its attacking position, but was turned down. The striker thanked them for their interest, but stated that he has no plans to return to Brazilian football at this time.
“Despite the significant investment, the striker has lost his place in the English team and is unlikely to remain with the Red Devils next season. Therefore, Antony’s future remains up in the air. Clubs from Europe and even the Middle East have already expressed interest in the player, and São Paulo is closely monitoring any moves.
“As the training club, Tricolor holds a percentage of FIFA’s solidarity mechanism and can profit in the event of a new international transfer of the striker.”
United’s future incomings this window will depend on player sales, and the co-owners will be hoping they can shift the likes of Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho well in time to bring in reinforcements.
Feature image Paul Ellis via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
