Man Utd could consider intriguing transfer approach involving £86m star as club makes financial position clear
Manchester United could be forced to consider another route to offload this exit-linked player in the summer.
Manchester United have a lot of decisions to make this summer as plenty of rumours continue to surround the immediate future of the squad.
Amid another disappointing Premier League season, the Red Devils are planning their business for the end of the campaign. They’re on the market for some significant new signings but there are plenty of current players also expected to leave Old Trafford.
Christian Eriksen is set to leave the club when his contract expires in June, while Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof and Tom Heaton are also nearing the end of their deals. However, the main talking point when it comes to departures is those who have struggled to make a significant impact on the team.
Antony is a player who has been heavily linked with a permanent exit, having struggled to live up to his hefty £86 million price tag. He is currently out on loan with Real Betis but it’s looking increasingly unlikely United can count on the Spanish side to make the deal full-time.
Man United forced to consider new options for Antony
According to Fichajes, United have seemingly priced Betis out of a permanent move for Antony. His current loan deal does not include a purchase option but the Red Devils have ‘hinted’ they are willing to sell the Brazilian for around €50 million (£41m). This is a price Betis cannot afford, and Antony’s reported €14 million (£11.5m) yearly salary is another stumbling block for the Andalusia side.
The outlet reports that the only viable option for Betis would be to negotiate another loan spell with United. However, as more clubs are now showing interest in the 25-year-old, United will likely be more inclined to see what other offers are on the table elsewhere.
Despite finding form with Betis — racking up four goal involvements in as many La Liga games — United are still looking to cash in on Antony. GiveMeSport reported in February that the Reds are hoping his impressive performances in Spain will help them find new suitors this summer and get his wages off the payroll.
This leads us onto the interest being shown from Juventus. Another Fichajes report claims that the Italians are the latest club to enter the running for Antony, who are looking to add a player of his description to their attacking roster. Juve are reportedly ‘willing to enter the bidding’ to try and snag the Brazilian.
Man United could utilise Juventus interest in Antony
It remains to be seen if Juventus are willing to offer the full amount United are asking for Antony. However, The Old Lady are facing financial issues and also have a player on their books who is of interest to those at Old Trafford.
Kenan Yildiz is a star who has been on a number of Premier League clubs’ radars recently. United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool have all been credited with interest in the 19-year-old in recent months.
La Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that while Juve are desperate to see Yildiz stay on their books, their hands could be forced into selling. The Serie A giants are looking at players to offload to offset some wages and raise cash. While Yildiz is not on this original list, they are ‘keeping the alternative plan’ of selling their rising star in a ‘sacrifice’ for the greater state of the club.
Juventus already turned down a €60 million (£49m) approach from Chelsea, and with Yildiz under contract until 2029, it’s been reported they will find an offer between €80-90 million (£66m-74m) ‘difficult to refuse’. They may struggle to find such an offer, though, but with their interest in Antony, Juve could strike an interesting deal with United.
The Red Devils are looking to get the Brazilian off their books due to his underwhelming goal output. They are already set to make a loss on him and likely won’t want to budge on their asking price any further. However, their minds could be changed if it involves a way in to sign Yildiz.
Similarly for Juve, if their hands are tied and they must sell one of their most prized players, they could reach some sort of agreement with United that will benefit both clubs in the end.