Former Manchester United winger Antony has claimed that Liverpool made a concrete offer to sign him in 2022, with the Brazilian potentially earmarked as a replacement for Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool's Interest Revealed
In an interview with ESPN Brazil, Antony disclosed that while Erik ten Hag and Manchester United ultimately secured his signature, Liverpool were also in the running. At the time, Jurgen Klopp was exploring attacking options amid uncertainty over Salah's future, with the Egyptian star engaged in contract negotiations.
Antony stated: "When I went to Manchester United, I had a proposal from Liverpool, from Klopp, on the table. It was also very good. Salah was negotiating a departure, but he ended up staying. Then the manager called me. The name of Manchester United carries weight."
The winger ultimately joined United for approximately £82 million, while Salah committed his future to Liverpool by signing a new deal. Salah remained at Anfield for four more years, winning another Premier League title and scoring 257 goals in 442 appearances across all competitions.
Antony's Career Resurgence
After a challenging spell at Old Trafford, Antony has rediscovered his form at Real Betis, recording 14 goals and 10 assists in 46 appearances this season. The Brazilian left United permanently last summer and has since criticised the lack of respect he experienced at the club.
Speaking about his time at Manchester United, Antony said: "I think there was a bit of a lack of respect there, even a bit of rudeness too, with no one giving you a good morning, a good afternoon. Not even that. But, anyway, that's in the past, I won't give much importance to these things."
Antony's revelation adds a new dimension to the story of his transfer, highlighting the fierce competition for his signature and the what-if scenario of him lining up for Liverpool instead of United.
