Following the acquisitions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United are currently focussing on outgoings.
Player sales are seen as key if INEOS are to bring in more reinforcements for Ruben Amorim. One player earmarked for departure is Antony.
The Brazilian failed to hold down a regular spot under the new head coach, and headed out on loan to Real Betis, where he enjoyed the form of his life.
In only 26 games across all competitions, the 25-year-old registered as many assists (five) as he had managed in two-and-half seasons at Old Trafford.
Interest in Antony on the rise
He also scored nine goals, just three short of the tally he had notched at United. He single-handedly took the La Liga side all the way to the UEFA Conference League final.
As a result, INEOS decided to slap a price tag of £50 million on his head, which meant very few clubs came forward.
There have been offers from Atletico Madrid and Saudi Pro League, but Antony is holding out for a return to Real Betis. The major problem is the Spanish side do not have the finances to pull off such a deal.
There has been interest from Italy, as well as Brazil, and now, Estadio Deportivo have claimed that Nottingham Forest and Newcastle have also expressed their interest in a deal.
However, having won back his place in the Brazilian national team, the ex-Ajax ace is not keen on staying in England and has his eyes only on a return to the Estadio Benito Villamarín, where he is guaranteed to be a starter.
“And Antony does not want to continue in the Premier League, where Newcastle and Nottingham Forest have shown interest.
PL clubs enter the fray
“The former Ajax player, who, in a season that will end with the 2026 World Cup, will choose to secure a destination where he can continue to be a starter, now that Carlo Ancelotti has called him up again for the Brazilian national team.
“Under Manuel Pellegrini, he knows that he will be undisputed, so, as ESTADIO Deportivo has been able to confirm, for now he maintains his commitment and remains firm in his claims.”
It would be fantastic if the Magpies spend big to land the Brazilian, and in the process, fund United’s approach for a striker.
But with Antony hellbent on Betis, it might require an innovative deal to finally see the back of Erik ten Hag’s signing.
United will be hoping that they do not have to sanction a loan departure again. In the worst case scenario, a loan with an obligation to buy might be entertained.
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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
