Manchester United outcast Antony has been stuck in limbo this summer but could now be one step closer to securing a move away from Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old winger joined Manchester United from Ajax in 2022 for £86m, arriving with high expectations and a hefty price tag.
But the Brazilian struggled to adapt in England, managing only five goals and three assists in 62 Premier League outings. Under new manager Ruben Amorim, his playing time diminished, prompting a loan move to Real Betis last season.
The switch proved transformative. Antony impressed in Spain with nine goals and five assists across La Liga and the UEFA Conference League, helping Betis reach the European final before losing to Chelsea.
His resurgence has boosted his market value, with United now in a stronger position to negotiate a higher transfer fee this summer. Several clubs are said to be monitoring his situation closely.
Real Betis have made clear their intention to keep Antony permanently, but interest in the winger is now intensifying. According to Football Espana, Saudi side Al Nassr are monitoring the situation, while reports from ESPN Brazil’s Bruno Andrade claim Fenerbahce have also entered the race.
Managed by former Manchester United boss José Mourinho, the Turkish giants are reportedly prepared to meet United’s €45m (£39m) asking price — a fee first reported by El Chiringuito earlier in the window. That willingness could give Fenerbahce a crucial edge over Betis and other suitors.
Manchester United are keen to raise funds after an active summer that has already seen them bring in three attacking reinforcements: Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig.
Rúben Amorim will be hoping the new arrivals help spark a revival after United’s disappointing 2024/25 season, which ended with a 15th-place Premier League finish and a painful Europa League final defeat to Tottenham that cost them Champions League football.
Amid this reshuffle, Antony’s future remains uncertain. Speaking after Real Betis’ Conference League final loss to Chelsea, the Brazilian forward admitted he did not know what lies ahead:
“I don’t know what will happen in the future; only God knows. My work is playing, and I’m doing that well. I have a lot of affection for Betis, for everyone, but I have a contract with Man United and I don’t know what’s going to happen. Now I will go to the national team and then on holiday, then we will see what happens in the future. I’m very happy here, everyone knows that, but I have a contract.”
