Manchester United's record signing Antony is facing mounting pressure at Old Trafford as his representatives actively explore potential exit routes for the struggling Brazilian winger.
The £85 million signing from Ajax has failed to live up to his enormous price tag since arriving in 2022, with just eight Premier League goals in two seasons raising serious questions about his long-term future at the club.
Agent Spotted in Transfer Talks
In a clear signal that Antony's time at United could be limited, his agent was recently photographed meeting with representatives from Barcelona and clubs in Saudi Arabia. These discussions suggest the Red Devils may be willing to cut their losses on one of their most expensive signings.
The timing is particularly telling given United's new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's public commitment to making smarter transfer decisions and avoiding the kind of expensive mistakes that have plagued the club in recent years.
Ten Hag's Loyalty Tested
Antony's situation presents a difficult dilemma for manager Erik ten Hag, who personally pushed for the Brazilian's signing after their successful partnership at Ajax. The Dutch manager has consistently defended his player against criticism, but patience appears to be wearing thin among both fans and club hierarchy.
With United likely needing to sell before they can buy this summer, Antony represents one of the most obvious candidates for departure given his underwhelming output and significant wages.
Limited Options Remain
The 24-year-old's dramatic dip in form has severely limited his potential suitors. While Saudi Arabian clubs could offer an escape route financially, a move to Barcelona would likely depend on the Spanish giants raising significant funds first.
United face the prospect of taking a substantial financial hit on a player they signed less than two years ago, highlighting the continued challenges in their recruitment strategy.
