Atletico Madrid could hand Man Utd major transfer windfall - Red Devils confident of £40m deal
Manchester United are keen to raise transfer funds via player sales this summer
On-loan Manchester United winger Antony is reportedly attracting interest from La Liga side Atletico Madrid following his flying form since joining Real Betis back in January.
The Brazilian left United on a six-month loan deal earlier this year and has since scored four goals and provided four assists for Betis, whose major upturn in form has coincided with Antony’s arrival in Seville.
The Spanish club are said to be keen to bring Antony back on another loan, this time for 12 months and are prepared to cover more of the player’s salary next term. United, however, prefer a summer sale and this week it was reported by the i Paper that the Red Devils decision makers were confident of getting £40m for selling Antony this summer with a number of clubs across Europe linked with the United winger.
Atletico Madrid ‘set sights’ on Antony
A newer report from Spanish outlet Fichajes has claimed that Atletico Madrid want Antony after being impressed by the player’s form since moving to Spain. The Brazilian can reportedly add “depth and dynamism” to the Madrid outfit’s attacking options. Serie A sides are also said to be showing an interest although no specific teams were named in the report.
Antony’s return to form has not changed minds at Old Trafford on his long-term future with United. The Brazilian signed from Ajax for £86m but failed to live up to expectations and was sent on loan to Betis. In order not to make a loss on the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules, United would need to sell Antony for £32.52 million this summer. That fee felt unachievable just a few months ago but the Red Devils could now make more than that figure and in turn be able to turn a profit on Antony, when it comes to accounting for profitability and sustainability rules.
Atletico are said to be revamping their squad as they look to add more competition for places in attack, something which Antony can offer.
Man United will hope Antony maintains his form with Real Betis
Speaking about Antony’s form since leaving United, Ruben Amorim said last week: “It's a good thing. We see our players doing well on loan in a different context. That can happen and it's a good sign for the club. Yeah I'm planning the future but I don't want to talk about the future in this moment.”
Things simply didn’t work out for Antony at Old Trafford and although he has returned to form in Spain, his previous spell for the Red Devils should be enough to turn the club off bringing him back into the squad after his loan ends. United will hope to see Antony continue to thrive for Betis, as it will only drive up his transfer fee ahead of the summer.
Amorim will only be given funds for transfer incomings this summer if players can be sold - and the likes of Antony, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho are all set to move on. Chelsea have already agreed their fee for Sancho while Antony and Rashford’s prices could continue to increase with both players enjoying form while away on loan.