Nobody could accuse the much-maligned Brazilian of running away from a battle if he is one of many Manchester United players battling for their futures in the lead-up to the first summer under Ineos’s supervision.
Putting aside the unsightly incident involving Coventry City, the former Ajax winger has finally regained his form. Not to mention some really current form.
Shortly after it appeared like Antony’s time with Manchester United was coming to an end, he scored the game-winning goal in the FA Cup victory over Liverpool, set up one of the season’s best assists against Chelsea, and finally broke his lengthy Premier League drought with a superb goal against Burnley on Saturday.
Given that Manchester United is considering a slew of possible successors, this may not be enough to save Antony from the chop. At least he can leave those Manchester United fans with some good memories, if he does really go.
As far as anybody can tell, United’s top right-wing target is Michael Olise, the United-mad Crystal Palace schemer. Olise would rather play for his beloved Red Devils than their Premier League opponents, according to The Standard, and he is well valued at Ineos. Additionally, his contract has a release clause.
But there are more options than Olise. According to Sport1, United have also taken an interest in Antonio Nusa, a youngster for Club Brugge, as well as Pedro Neto, of Wolves, and Johan Bakayoko, of PSV Eindhoven.
Naturally, some may think it’s a little counterproductive to replace Antony with another wide receiver from the Eredivisie. With Bakayoko’s potential to play more like Ruud van Nistelrooy or Lisandro Martinez than Antony or Memphis Depay, the guy who has contributed to PSV’s success this season with 13 goals and 14 assists might yet end up being a brilliant signing.
How much is the price of Bakayoko, though? Not as much as Antony, but still more than the £30 million that Brentford allegedly offered in the summer of 2023.
Whether he decides to go ahead is the determining factor. Marcel Brands, chief executive of PSV, tells ESPN that the topic of which team will come is also worth considering.
Just now, we were discussing major league teams. Will you refuse to allow such a club to enter? The price of 35 million euros has been withdrawn from the sale of Bakayoko.
Johan Bakayoko is dazzling for PSV whereas Antony had an unimpressive eight goals and four assists in his last season in the Eredivisie. As PSV coast towards the championship, Bakayoko—who is both more unpredictable and more faster on his feet than the very unsteady Brazilian—has easily surpassed both of those totals.
“Johan was not doing well at the beginning of 2021,” Bakayoko’s representative Gerard Witters told Het Nieuwsblad. Things took a turn for the worst after he signed his new contract.
He began to improve his statistics, and his performances in games were outstanding. According to the club, Johan is already performing beyond their expectations.
“In the past, he would sometimes act out irrationally. Despite his explosiveness and other admirable traits, he made bad crosses and fired when he should have done otherwise.
He has a much better idea of his next move now. Even though he consistently uses the same move—cutting inside and shooting—defenders are no longer able to stop him.
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