British INEOS Group chairman and OGC Nice’s owner Jim Ratcliffe looks on before the French Cup final football match between OGC Nice and FC Nantes at the Stade de France, in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, on May 7, 2022. (Photo by BERTRAND GUAY / AFP)
Manchester United are finally on the verge of parting ways with Antony, which could also help them land one of their primary January targets.
On Friday morning, Fabrizio Romano delivered his trademark ‘here we go’, signalling the Brazilian’s imminent transfer to Real Betis.
The 24-year-old will fly to Spain to undergo his medical before signing his papers and becoming the Andalusians’ newest acquisition This move would put an end to a miserable two-and-a-half-year spell at Old Trafford, albeit he’s only leaving on a dry loan.
The player who arrived from Ajax on a large transfer fee (£86 million) and much fanfare is leaving from the backdoor after failing to leave his mark in the Premier League. He only managed to score 12 goals and provide five assists in his 96 appearances for the club.
According to The Atheltic, Antony’s transfer will allow the club to save around £1.5 million, as Real Betis will be covering part of his salary.
Getting rid of Antony could boost Man Utd chances of landing Patrick Dorgu
While this might be a small figure compared to the club’s astronomical wage bill, it could have a substantial effect on the club’s pursuit of Patrick Dorgu.
As reported earlier in the day, Man Utd are embroiled in crunch negotiations with Lecce for the potential transfer of the 20-year-old Denmark international. As The Athletic explains, the Red Devils have submitted an offer worth €30 million, while the Serie A minnows are holding out for €40 million.
Many observers believe the two parties could eventually find a compromise somewhere in the middle, potentially at €35 million.
Hence, the figures that the Premier League giants managed to trim by sending Antony on loan for the rest of the season could prove vital, as it could allow INEOS to make an extra commitment in their attempts to lure the young left-back to Carrington.
