Bayer Leverkusen are closely monitoring Manchester United winger Antony, with newly appointed manager Erik ten Hag eager to reunite with the Brazilian star for a third time.
From Old Trafford to BayArena? Antony Linked with Leverkusen Switch
Ten Hag previously signed Antony at both Ajax and Manchester United, and now sees him as a potential replacement for Florian Wirtz, who is on the verge of a high-profile move to Liverpool.
Antony’s tenure at Old Trafford has been underwhelming, tallying just 12 goals in 96 appearances since his £81 million transfer in 2022. However, a recent six-month loan spell at Real Betis revitalized his form and confidence.
During this period, he netted nine goals and provided five assists in 26 matches, playing a pivotal role in Betis’ journey to the UEFA Conference League final, where they were ultimately defeated 4-1 by Chelsea.
Antony expressed deep gratitude towards Betis, stating, “I found myself again. When we are happy, when we work happy, things come naturally.”
Despite Betis’ desire to retain him, financial constraints make a permanent deal unlikely, especially with Manchester United reportedly seeking between €40–€50 million for his transfer.
Leverkusen’s interest in Antony aligns with their need to bolster attacking options following Wirtz’s impending departure.
Ten Hag’s familiarity with Antony’s capabilities and the player’s recent resurgence make this a compelling prospect for both parties.
However, Leverkusen may face competition from other European clubs, including Bayern Munich and Atlético Madrid, who are also reportedly interested in the winger.
As Antony prepares to return to Manchester United, his future remains uncertain.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether he reunites with Ten Hag at Leverkusen or embarks on a new chapter elsewhere in Europe.
