Ten Hag's new club prepares to sign Man Utd flop for less than £25m

Manchester United are set to take a significant financial hit on Antony, with the club now willing to accept a fee between £21 million and £25 million as Bayer Leverkusen, managed by Erik ten Hag, prepare a formal approach.

Antony, signed for £81.3 million from Ajax in 2022 under Ten Hag, never truly settled at Old Trafford, scoring just 12 goals and providing five assists in 96 appearances over two and a half seasons.

After Ten Hag’s sacking in October 2024 and Ruben Amorim’s arrival, Antony saw his opportunities diminish and was loaned to Real Betis for the second half of last season.

In Spain, he rediscovered some form, notching nine goals and five assists, helping Betis secure a sixth-place finish in La Liga and a run to the UEFA Conference League final.

Despite this resurgence, United are determined to offload Antony permanently as they reshape their attack, having already brought in Matheus Cunha from Wolves and maintaining strong interest in Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.

United’s decision to slash Antony’s asking price comes as they look to balance their books and comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules.

The club would need to sell Antony for at least £32.5 million to avoid a loss on their accounts, given the way his transfer fee was amortised over a five-year contract, it is reported.

However, with his current market value falling well below that, United appear resigned to making a loss. Antony’s wages—estimated at £105,000 to £112,500 per week after United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League—would also be removed from the wage bill if a sale is completed.

Fan reaction has been mixed, with many frustrated at the low price being quoted for a player once seen as a marquee signing, especially as Leverkusen are set to receive over £100 million for Florian Wirtz’s move to Liverpool. Nevertheless, United are prioritising a swift sale to facilitate further squad changes under Amorim this summer