Manchester United flop Antony has made a bombshell Liverpool transfer claim
Former Manchester United winger Antony claims he came close to joining Liverpool.
Former Manchester United winger Antony claims he came close to joining Liverpool.(Image: (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images))
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Manchester United's decision to sign Antony has long been a subject of intense scrutiny, but the Brazilian winger has now disclosed that Liverpool were also in the frame before his switch to Old Trafford.
The wide man has enjoyed one of the finest campaigns of his career at Real Betis, chalking up 14 goals and 10 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions, restoring his reputation following a turbulent stint at United.
Speaking in an interview relayed by ESPN Brazil, Antony reflected on his 2022 transfer from Ajax to England, revealing that while Erik ten Hag and the Red Devils ultimately won the race for his signature, they were not the only Premier League side in the running.
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The Brazilian confirmed that Liverpool had tabled a concrete offer before he agreed to join United. He explained that at the time, then-Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp was weighing up attacking reinforcements amid uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah's future, with the Egyptian in the midst of contract talks.
According to Antony, Liverpool were actively bracing themselves for the possibility of Salah's departure, placing themselves firmly in contention before United clinched the deal.
"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 assumes greater importance with the benefit of hindsight. Salah ultimately pledged his future to Liverpool by penning a new contract and remaining as the club's key attacking player, while Antony instead followed Ten Hag to Old Trafford in a transfer worth approximately£82 million.
Salah went on to remain on Merseyside for a further four years, securing another Premier League crown amongst other honours.
Mohamed Salah of Egypt before the international friendly match (New Capital Cup) between Egypt and Russia at Cairo International Stadium on May 28, 2026, in Cairo, Egypt. (Photo by Ayman Aref/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah has got his wish as he departs Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
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Salah netted 257 goals in 442 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool, but a tally of merely 12 goals in 41 matches this season indicated a drop in productivity for the Egypt international.
A high-profile outburst aimed at former Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and the club in December fuelled speculation that it could be his final campaign at Anfield. Those rumours were ultimately confirmed when Salah announced in March that he would be departing Liverpool.
Liverpool are expected to target at least one new forward this summer, with replacing the Egyptian regarded as the Reds' top priority heading into the transfer window. RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande has been identified as Liverpool's leading candidate to replace Salah at Anfield.
The young talent is fresh off an impressive debut season in Germany and has already drawn considerable attention from clubs across Europe, meaning Liverpool face stiff competition in their pursuit.
Diomande has cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting young forwards on the continent, notching 13 goals and 10 assists in 36 appearances for Leipzig throughout the 2025/26 campaign.