The Peoples Person
·24 July 2024
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Yahoo sportsThe Peoples Person
·24 July 2024
Sao Paulo president Julio Casares has reportedly ruled out a transfer swoop for Manchester United winger Antony.
Antony signed for United for a fee of around £85 million in the summer of 2022. However, he has so far struggled to justify his massive price tag. Last summer, he scored just three goals in 38 appearances across all competitions.
His poor performances were a constant source of frustration for supporters. On multiple occasions, Antony found himself on the end of criticism from fans and the media who often called for him to be dropped in favour of other right-sided options.
Indeed, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo proved to be more effective, leading to the Brazilian losing his place in the starting XI.
It has been suggested that United are eager to part ways with Antony this summer. A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that the Red Devils would be open to letting the winger leave on loan if a club is prepared to cover his £70,000-a-week salary.
It was subsequently pointed out that the 24-year-old’s name came up during transfer talks with Lille for defender Leny Yoro.
Portal Do Sao Paulino have now claimed that there were rumours that Sao Paulo were interested in adding Antony to their ranks. However, these links have not received extensive coverage in the English press, suggesting they may not be very strong.
Antony of course started his career at Sao Paulo.
Nevertheless, president of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A outfit Julio Casares, has already poured cold water on suggestions that his side could move for Antony.
Journalist Jorge Nicola revealed details of a conversation he held with Casares, in which Antony’s name came up. According to Nicola, “Talking to president Julio Casares, he assured me that there is no possibility of this deal happening.”
“It is something completely outside of São Paulo’s reality.”
Nicola added that he also spoke to Anton’s agent, Júnior Pedroso, who also weighed in on the matter.
Pedroso is quoted as saying, “Antony is not coming back now, his priority is Manchester United.”
Pedroso’s comments align with remarks he made last week, in which he insisted that his client’s focus is on succeeding at Old Trafford and he would not go out on loan.
The fact that Antony is being linked to a return to Brazil before reaching his peak is undoubtedly a startling reflection of his current career status and how much he has declined.
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