Manchester United is ready to cut its losses on Antony, setting a £32.5m asking price for the Brazilian winger just two years after signing him for a staggering £81.3m as per Samuel Luckhurst of Manchester Evening News. The move signals the end of one of the Premier League’s most disastrous transfers and a damning failure of United’s recruitment strategy.
Antony, 24, has been a ghost at Old Trafford since his deadline day arrival from Ajax in 2022. Five Premier League goals in two and a half seasons tell the story. A loan spell became inevitable, and his January exit to Real Betis only highlighted his revival away from United’s chaos.
In Spain, he racked up goals and assists in a brilliant season individually, steering Betis to the final in the UEFA Conference League.
The numbers don’t lie, Man United take a £50m loss
United need £32.5m for Antony to comply with Premier League profit rules. Even then, they’ll swallow a massive £50m loss. Antony’s resurgence at Betis? Too little, too late. Antony is among a host of other players, United are considering selling in a major summer overhaul, including Rashford, Garnacho and Sancho
Manager Ruben Amorim made his stance clear long before this summer. Antony started just two games under him before being shipped out. With Betis, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid circling, United are desperate to cash in on the Brazilian.
Why Antony failed at Man United
Antony’s United career was doomed from the start. His price tag weighed heavier than his performances. His confidence cratered under Erik ten Hag, the manager who signed him. Flicks and stepovers became memes while the end product vanished. While he’s rediscovered form in La Liga, thriving in a system that suits him, United’s dysfunctional setup exposed his flaws.
Who wants Antony?
Real Betis wants him permanently, while Barcelona sees a bargain. Atletico Madrid and Villarreal are also lurking. But none will pay United’s £32.5m demand easily. Betis, reaching their first European final in 18 years, might leverage Antony’s heroics to negotiate down. Barcelona? With their financial problems will be a difficult suitor too.
For United, selling Antony, Sancho, and Rashford (priced at £40m) could fund a reboot under INEOS. But players magically finding form again after departing Old Trafford is a major concern for recruitment at United and the dysfunctional system at the club.