Manchester United have green-lit insane swap deal involving Antony: report

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Manchester United flop Antony could be about to leave Old Trafford, with a ready-made replacement moving the other way

Manchester United winger Antony reacts during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on November 1, 2023 in Manchester, England.
(Image credit: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Manchester United are prepared to let big-money flop Antony leave the club already, after a hugely underwhelming stint at Old Trafford – in a bonkers swap deal.

The Brazilian followed his Ajax manager Erik ten Hag in the Premier League for over £80 million last summer but has failed to light up English football. With just six goals and assists in the league since joining Manchester United, major questions have been asked about his role in the team – especially in light of Jadon Sancho's continued expulsion from the side.

In September, Antony was given time away from the Red Devils to deal with domestic abuse allegations but has rejoined the side. With patience running out in the 23-year-old, however, he may well swap places with another forward.

Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder Antony (R) is congratulated by Manchester United's Dutch manager Erik ten Hag (L) as he leaves the pitch during the pre-season friendly football match between Manchester United and Lens at Old Trafford stadium, in Manchester, on August 5, 2023.

Erik ten Hag has put a lot of faith in Antony (Image credit: Getty Images)

According to the Mirror, Antony could be used as a makeweight to bring Flamengo forward Gabriel 'Gabigol' Barbosa back to Europe.

The 27-year-old was considered one of the most exciting young stars in South American football during his youth but a move to Inter Milan never panned out, with loan spells away from the San Siro failing to recapture his best form. Since returning, however, Gabigol has rekindled his brilliance in Brazil. 

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The attacker has won two Copa Libertadores, twice been the tournament's top scorer and twice been the Golden Boot winner in Brazil's top tier. With a contract drawing to a close next summer, however, Gabigol is at a crossroads.

United are operating under financial constraints following a free-spending few summers – and with Gabigol valued at around £20m, they could well bring him to Old Trafford with Antony heading in the opposite direction. 

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 3: Gabriel Barbosa of Flamengo celebrates Bruno Henrique goal's during Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores match between Flamengo and Olimpia at Maracana Stadium on August 3, 2023 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Daniel Castelo Branco/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Gabriel Barbosa of Flamengo is on Manchester United's radar (Image credit: Getty Images)

Antony began his career at Sao Paulo and replaced Gabigol in the Brazil World Cup squad last summer.

Transfermarkt values Gabigol at €20m.

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Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.