Manchester United attacker Antony agent has said his client is open to making a move to the Saudi Pro League during this summer transfer window.
Antony was out on loan at Real Betis during the second half of last season and throughout his time in Spain he was able to make an instant impact, scoring nine times and registering five assists in 26 appearances for the Sevilla based club.
Embed from Getty ImagesReal Betis are keen on making Antony’s move permanent however the asking price quoted by the Red Devils is huge and the Spanish club would have to break the bank to sign the Brazilian.
Beyond Real Betis a few European clubs such as Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid have shown interest in signing the player.
However currently the European clubs could face stiff competition from Middle East suitors as two of the leading clubs in Saudi Arabia are keen on plotting a move.
Antony’s potential switch to the Middle East is on the cards?
Antony’s agent Junior Pedroso remarks on a possible transfer to the Saudi league has opened the door to a potential switch to the Middle East. The Brazillian agent didn’t mince his words, and he was quick to shed light on the scenario.
“What I can say is that the player is on the market, and there are several clubs that want to know his current status,” Pedroso via Yahoo Sports.
“We listen to the projects and analyse them. But he is open to moving to Saudi Arabia. Anything is possible, we are looking for what is best for him.”
The Saudi clubs are willing to make him one of the highest paid players in the league which would sweeten the deal however formal club to club negotiations are yet to begin.
Embed from Getty ImagesManchester United is focusing on a squad overhaul as they look to strengthen their team following a disappointing run of form in the previous season.
The Red Devils head coach insists Antony in addition to the likes of Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia and Alejandro Garnacho, will not be sold on the cheap this summer.
“There are different reasons for the players,” Amorim told reporters on Friday. “Some players have to find a new place to have more space in the team and other players clearly show they want a new challenge and want new teams. We are just allowing these players to have time to think and to decide.
“If we reach a point where they have to join the team, they will join the team because they are our players. I know for a fact, these people, Omar [Berrada], Jason [Wilcox] and the club, have a number for these players. If they don’t reach that, they will be Manchester United players, no doubt about that.
“I understand that clubs are waiting for the last minute but they can have a surprise. I’m ready to receive the players, they have more competition, more competition. If you want to play in the World Cup next year you need to play.”
Antony has not been travelling with the team for the pre-season fixtures, fueling speculations of an early departure. However, it will be interesting to note that United can change their position in the last minute and offer an olive branch to the 25-year-old.