Manager Considers Reuniting with Player, Describing Close Bond

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed his close relationship with Antony, referring to the player as "like a son to me." There are speculations that Antony might join Bayer Leverkusen, where Ten Hag is now in charge. Antony, who spent the last season on loan at Real Betis, has been linked with a permanent departure from Manchester United.

Ten Hag had previously signed Antony twice, first bringing him to Ajax from Sao Paulo in 2020 and then to Manchester United in 2022. During their time together at Ajax and United, Antony played under ten Hag in 166 matches. Despite the interest from clubs like Brighton, Newcastle, and RB Leipzig, Ten Hag mentioned that Leverkusen is not currently pursuing Antony but did not rule out future possibilities.

Antony, who was signed by Manchester United for £86 million in 2022, has not met expectations at the club. He has made 96 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists. Although he won the FA Cup and League Cup with United under Ten Hag's management, Antony's future seems to be away from the club. Ten Hag was dismissed by United in October 2024, with Ruben Amorim taking over as manager.

Leverkusen, who recently acquired Jarell Quansah from Liverpool and goalkeeper Mark Flekken from Brentford, have seen departures like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool in this transfer window. While Ten Hag stated that Leverkusen is not currently pursuing Antony, he hinted that the situation could change in the future. There have been suggestions of a possible return to Betis, where Antony had a successful loan spell scoring nine goals in 26 games.