Manchester United Eye Antony Exit with Potential Swap Deal Amid Summer Clear-Out Plans
Manchester United are preparing for a busy summer transfer window under new head coach Ruben Amorim, and one of their key priorities will be offloading players who no longer fit into the Portuguese manager’s long-term vision. High on that list is Brazilian winger Antony, whose underwhelming form and significant wage demands have made him a potential candidate for a summer departure.
Signed from Ajax in 2022 for a reported £86 million, Antony arrived at Old Trafford with high expectations, especially given his previous success under Erik ten Hag in the Eredivisie. However, the 24-year-old has struggled to replicate that form in the Premier League. Despite flashes of flair and technique, his end product has been inconsistent, and he has failed to cement his place in the starting XI.
With Amorim now at the helm, Manchester United are embarking on a new chapter — one that involves rebuilding the squad to suit a more dynamic and modern style of play. As such, several high-earning players who have underperformed are likely to be shown the door. Antony, who is believed to earn a sizeable weekly wage, is one of the most high-profile names being considered for an exit.
United’s new sporting structure under INEOS aims to be more strategic in the transfer market, and simply selling Antony outright may prove difficult given his wages and declining market value. As a result, a swap deal could emerge as a more practical solution — one that allows United to offload the Brazilian while also bringing in a player more aligned with Amorim’s tactical requirements.
Clubs in Italy and Spain have reportedly been monitoring Antony’s situation, and there is speculation that United could explore swap deals with sides looking to revamp their own attacking options. A move involving a winger or attacking midfielder from one of these leagues could benefit all parties — United would reduce their wage bill, Antony would receive a fresh start, and the incoming player could add much-needed creativity and consistency to United’s flanks.
One potential obstacle, however, is Antony’s contract, which runs until 2027. Any deal would require either a significant compromise on his salary or a creative structure, possibly involving United subsidizing part of his wages or negotiating a loan-to-buy agreement. The club is reportedly open to both permanent and temporary arrangements, as long as it helps balance the books and opens up space in the squad for new signings.
While Antony’s departure would mark the end of a disappointing chapter for both player and club, it could also serve as a symbol of the broader cultural reset taking place at Manchester United. Amorim has made it clear that he intends to build a team around energy, versatility, and tactical discipline — qualities that Antony has struggled to consistently deliver in his time at Old Trafford.
United fans will be hoping that any exit strategy involving Antony is handled efficiently and used to bring in players who can contribute immediately. With key areas such as striker, midfield, and defense all in need of reinforcement, the club must be calculated in how they manage outgoing and incoming transfers.
Ultimately, Antony’s exit — whether through a straight sale or a clever swap deal — could help Manchester United move one step closer to a leaner, more effective squad under Ruben Amorim. It’s a crucial part of what is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal summers in recent club history.
