Al-Nassr make Antony a “top target” with Man Utd open to a sale | OneFootball

Manchester United are willing to let Antony leave this summer with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr settling on the Brazilian winger as their “top target”, a report has revealed.

Pete O’Rourke (Football Insider) contends the Saudi Pro League club have “switched their attention” to Antony after a pursuit of Barcelona winger Raphinha fell through.

Saudi Arabia emerged as a hotspot of transfer activity last year when the Public Investment Fund (PIF) bought controlling shares in the Pro League’s ‘big four’ sides – Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the first, and biggest, names to relocate to the Middle East to spearhead the emerging league, joining Al-Nassr from United in rather contentious circumstances.

The former Real Madrid and Juventus forward was later joined by other stars entering the twilight of their careers, with N’Golo Kante, Karim Benzema, and even Jordan Henderson, being offered eye-watering sums to enjoy an early retirement in the sun.

Now, it appears, Antony may be set to follow in the footsteps of Ronaldo by departing Old Trafford for a big-money move to Al-Nassr, as part of the Pro League’s new approach to the transfer market.

Saudi clubs are reportedly targeting younger stars this summer as the PIF seeks to attract players in, or about to enter, their prime years, rather than the older generation of signings made last year.

From United’s perspective, this shift in policy has thwarted their attempts to sell Casemiro this summer, with Saudi interest in the Brazilian midfielder having cooled, despite his reputation and standing within global football.

If the 32-year-old has been sold to the Saudi Pro League last summer, the Red Devils would likely have commanded a huge fee for his services. Now it appears they are stuck with him for at least another twelve months.

However, Old Trafford may yet stand to profit from the Pro League riches as Al-Nassr target Antony – a player who has never adapted to the rigours of English football following his £86 million move from Antony two summers ago.

O’Rourke reveals United officials told the 24-year-old to “find a new club” last month, but there is unlikely to be any meaningful interest amongst Europe’s elite – the only clubs who could afford Antony’s price – in a player who has performed so woefully since arriving in England.

Yet, the Brazilian remains a big name within football, although not always for the right reasons, and has won two trophies in two years at Old Trafford, as well as having represented his country on numerous occasions. He is 24 and, ostensibly, about to enter his prime.

This ticks a lot of boxes for the new approach by the Saudi Pro League and explains why Al-Nassr are prioritising a move for the former Ajax man.

The report also suggests would be “willing to let [Antony] leave on loan” as long his wage packet is fully covered.

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