Manchester United winger Antony has informed the club that he wishes to depart during the summer transfer window
Manchester United winger Antony has asked to leave the club(Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Manchester United have been given fresh hope of arranging a transfer exit for Antony this summer after it was reported that Portuguese giants Benfica have entered talks for the forward.
Upon Ruben Amorim’s arrival at United, Antony’s time at the club seemed to be heading towards an end. The Brazilian struggled to fit into the new system that Amorim introduced with wing-back and No.10 roles not suiting him.
By January, the Reds had arranged for Antony to leave for Real Betis on loan where he enjoyed a career renaissance. Registering the same number of assists for the Seville club as he managed in 70 more matches for United, the La Liga side took the former Ajax man to their hearts.
After helping Betis reach the final of the Conference League, Antony returned to Manchester and informed Amorim that he wished to seek an exit from Old Trafford this summer. Naturally, his old loan club re-entered the conversation to sign him but it is believed they are only willing to bring him in on loan.
It is thought that Antony’s sizeable wage is proving a problem for them. Now, Mais Futebol is reporting that Benfica have thrown their hats into the ring.
Like Betis, Benfica have an existing working relationship having negotiated a deal for Alvaro Carreras in January 2024. Unfortunately for United, the similarities do not end there with the Portuguese club currently only willing to sign Antony on loan.
It is claimed United remain in favour of a permanent exit and have set his asking price at approximately £43m. While Benfica have reportedly entered talks, RB Leipzig, Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen and Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion are also thought to be showing interest.
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