Manchester United’s move for Antony has been picked apart from every angle over the years, but the Brazilian has now revealed Liverpool was waiting in the wings before he headed to Old Trafford.
The winger is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career at Real Betis. Across all competitions, he has managed 14 goals and 10 assists in 46 appearances, helping to revive a reputation that took a hit during his time at Manchester United.
In an interview relayed by ESPN Brazil, Antony looked back on the transfer that took him from Ajax to England in 2022. While Erik ten Hag and Manchester United eventually won that race, they apparently were not alone.
Liverpool had Antony on their radar
Antony has revealed that Liverpool put a concrete offer on the table before he agreed to join Manchester United.
At the time, Jürgen Klopp was still in charge at Anfield and there was uncertainty around Mohamed Salah’s future. The Egyptian was negotiating a new contract, and according to Antony, Liverpool were preparing for the possibility of losing him.
“When I went to Manchester United, I had a proposal from Liverpool, from Klopp, on the table,” he said.
“It was also very good. Salah was negotiating a departure, but he ended up staying. Then the manager called me. The name of Manchester United carries weight.”
That detail is particularly interesting with hindsight. Salah eventually signed a new deal and remained Liverpool’s main man, while Antony followed Ten Hag to Old Trafford in a deal worth around £82m (€95m).
A transfer that could have looked very different
The Brazilian also admitted he briefly considered returning to Brazil when things became difficult at Manchester United.
“On my way out of Manchester United, returning to Brazil crossed my mind. But my goal was always to stay in Europe. I hadn’t forgotten how to play football.”
Instead, he chose Real Betis. And he repeated the general tone of his recent interviews.
“I went there trying to find myself again and be happy again. Today I’m living the best moment of my life, both in football and with my family. Everyone is very happy, and football ends up flowing naturally.”
Four years after choosing Manchester United over Liverpool, Antony is rebuilding his career in Spain.
Whether Klopp’s version of events would have produced a different outcome is impossible to know, but it is another intriguing “what if?” from a transfer that continues to generate discussion.