Manchester United’s Brazilian winger Antony has turned down the opportunity to leave the Premier League for a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia this summer.
Despite the considerable financial appeal and interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, particularly Al-Nassr, Antony has chosen to remain at Old Trafford and continue his career in European football.
Brazilian Winger Antony Commits to Old Trafford Amidst Big Offers from Saudi Arabia
The 23-year-old has faced a challenging spell since his big-money transfer from Ajax in the summer of 2022. United shelled out a staggering £82 million to bring Antony to Manchester, making him one of the club’s most expensive signings.
However, his time at United has not been without difficulties. In 82 appearances across all competitions, Antony has managed just 11 goals and five assists, numbers that have left both fans and pundits questioning whether the Brazilian has lived up to his hefty price tag.
Rumors of a potential exit began to swirl as the summer transfer window opened, with several clubs from the Saudi Pro League reportedly expressing interest in the winger. Al-Nassr, in particular, was said to be keen on bringing Antony to the Middle East, offering a substantial financial package that could have been tempting for any player.
However, sources close to Antony suggest that the player is fully committed to staying at Manchester United.
Despite the allure of a big payday and the chance to join the growing list of stars heading to Saudi Arabia, Antony is determined to prove himself at United. He believes he still has much to offer and is eager to silence his critics by delivering on the potential that saw him rise to prominence at Ajax.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are reportedly open to considering serious offers for the Brazilian as they look to offload fringe players and comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
The club is aware that they may need to accept a significant loss on the £82 million investment they made just two years ago, but Antony’s decision to stay complicates matters.
For now, Antony remains a Red Devil, focused on improving his performances and contributing more consistently to the team. His decision to reject the move to Saudi Arabia underscores his commitment to Manchester United and his determination to succeed at the highest level in European football.
With three years remaining on his current contract, Antony still has time to fulfill his potential and become a key player at Old Trafford.
