Latest Manchester United transfer news and gossip with an update on Antony’s future at Old Trafford
Manchester United winger Antony(Image: PA)
Antony is being linked with a move away from Manchester United.
The Brazilian spent the second half of last season on loan with Real Betis, where he helped guide the La Liga outfit to the Conference League final before losing to Chelsea. Antony impressed during his spell in Spain, scoring nine goals and providing five assists across 26 appearances.
Since returning to Old Trafford, the Manchester Evening News reported earlier this month that Antony has informed United of his desire to leave the club this summer. As a result, there have been rumours of a potential destination for the €100million (£87.4million) signing from 2022.
A report from Foot Mercato recently claimed that Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr are showing an interest in signing Antony. Should a move go on to be completed, it would see Antony be reunited with former United star Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
Antony has already expressed his admiration for Ronaldo from when the duo were teammates at Old Trafford.
“I’ve come to help my teammates,” Antony told United’s club website back in September 2022. “Regardless of age, there’s immense talent in all the players.
“Words can’t describe Cristiano, the best in the world. In just a few days, I’ve learnt a lot from him. He has an extraordinary mind and, whenever I talk to him, I take a lot from it.
“I’m sure that we have a strong attack and it’s very promising for the future.”
Then, in October of the same year, Antony went into further detail about the help he received from Ronaldo.
“I’m feeling very happy, and I told this to him, because we always follow up and have this dialogue,” Antony told ESPN Brasil. “He always makes me feel comfortable. It looks like I have known him for a long time, and I told him this.
“He has a beautiful history and he is a huge reference for those who are younger than him. Something flashes in my mind, like we play videogames [of him], watch him on television and right now I share some moments with him, for me it is very rewarding.
“Like I said: I’m still young, I am 22 years old and I’m learning a lot from him.”
Speaking to United’s in-house media team in April 2024, Antony also revealed he grew up idolising the Portuguese legend.
“I always watched Cristiano Ronaldo, he played a lot on the wing here,” he said.
“I’ve always really liked [Lionel] Messi as well, and Neymar, they are the three players I always followed.
“I played with Beckham a lot in video games, and I recently watched his documentary and learnt a lot from it.
“He’s someone who has inspired me. I already respected and admired him, and after watching the series this admiration grew even more. He’s a player I’ve followed since I was a child and as I just said, I learnt a lot from watching his documentary recently.”
He added: “You have quicker players like Cris, and others like Beckham as well, players who pull the strings more in a game with very good set-piece delivery.
“There are different types of players and different styles of play.
“As I said before, I always try and learn from both types, the quick players and the technique and intelligence of Beckham as well.”
It remains to be seen what the future will hold for Antony at United this summer. The Reds would need to receive a fee of at least £32.58million in order to avoid making a loss under the Premier League’s Profit & Sustainability Rules.
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