Two prominent clubs from the Saudi Pro League are reportedly interested in signing Antony, the winger currently with Manchester United. As the transfer window progresses, a potential move back to Real Betis, where he spent last season on loan, appears increasingly unlikely. Antony is taking his time to evaluate his options for the next chapter of his career.
European clubs such as Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, and Bayern Munich are also monitoring Antony’s situation. Notably, Bayern has shifted its focus to acquiring a left-winger, while Leverkusen’s head coach, Erik ten Hag, who facilitated Antony’s £86 million transfer to Manchester United in 2022, has indicated that his club is “not interested at the moment.” Ten Hag added, “we’ll see what happens in the future,” suggesting that Manchester United has established specific financial parameters for any potential sale.
Antony’s Performance and Current Options
During his time at Real Betis, Antony impressed with a total of nine goals and five assists in 26 appearances. Despite his success, the Spanish club currently lacks the financial resources to secure a permanent deal and is hoping to negotiate another loan arrangement.
Manchester United prefers a permanent transfer for Antony, but formal bids have yet to materialize. So far, only Bayer Leverkusen and Real Betis have reached out to the club regarding the winger’s availability. The interest from Saudi Arabia seems to be growing, and while Antony is open to exploring this option, he would likely prefer to remain within Europe.
Transfer Activity and Financial Landscape
In the broader context of the transfer market, Manchester United has been active in both incoming and outgoing transfers. The club has made significant signings, including Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for £71 million and Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5 million. On the other side, notable departures include the release of Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelof.
As the transfer window continues, the situation surrounding Antony remains fluid. The decisions made in the coming weeks will significantly impact his career trajectory and the strategic direction of Manchester United’s squad.
