Newcastle and Brighton among clubs interested in Manchester United forward Antony

The writing appears to be on the wall for Antony at Manchester United, with reports emerging that new manager Ruben Amorim has taken the drastic step of banning the Brazilian forward from returning to the club for pre-season training. This unequivocal decision signals the end of the 25-year-old's tumultuous tenure at Old Trafford, making him one of the highest-profile names widely expected to depart the club this summer. As the news reverberates, Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion are among the clubs reportedly monitoring the situation with keen interest, eyeing a potential opportunity to acquire a player who, despite his struggles, still possesses raw talent.

Antony's time in Manchester has been nothing short of a saga of unfulfilled potential. Arriving from Ajax in the summer of 2022 for an eye-watering fee reported to be in the region of £85 million, he was meant to be the dynamic, left-footed right-winger capable of unlocking stubborn defences. Instead, fans have witnessed a player often lacking end product, hesitant to take on defenders, and whose statistical returns have been woefully inadequate for such a significant investment. His two full seasons have yielded a paltry return of goals and assists in the Premier League, far below the standard expected of a player meant to elevate a club of United's stature. The immense pressure of his transfer fee, coupled with a perceived inability to adapt to the physicality and pace of English football, has seen his stock plummet, leaving both player and club in a difficult position.

Ruben Amorim's swift and decisive action regarding Antony underscores his intent to implement a rigorous new regime at Carrington. Banning a player from pre-season is a powerful statement, indicating that the manager sees no pathway for Antony in his future plans and prioritises clearing the decks for a fresh start. This move is likely a precursor to a wider summer clear-out as Amorim looks to reshape a squad that has underperformed for years. For clubs like Newcastle and Brighton, Antony represents a complex proposition. Newcastle, under their ambitious Saudi ownership, are constantly on the hunt for attacking talent to bolster their push for European football. While Antony’s form has been poor, a significant reduction in his asking price might make him an attractive reclamation project for Eddie Howe, who has a track record of improving players.

Brighton, on the other hand, are renowned for their astute recruitment and ability to revitalise careers. Their data-driven approach and fluid tactical system under Fabian Hürzeler could appeal to Antony, offering a less scrutinised environment where he might rediscover his confidence and form. They might view him as a calculated risk, potentially exploring a loan deal with an option to buy, allowing them to assess his suitability without a massive upfront commitment. The challenge for any interested party will be negotiating a fair price with Manchester United, who will undoubtedly be keen to recoup as much of their initial outlay as possible, or at least offload his substantial wages from their books.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Antony's next destination. His forced departure from Old Trafford marks a significant chapter in United's ongoing rebuild and a pivotal moment in the player's career. Whether he can reignite his career away from the intense spotlight of Manchester remains to be seen, but the interest from clubs like Newcastle and Brighton suggests there is still a belief that the talent which once commanded such a colossal fee can be unlocked elsewhere. The summer transfer window promises to be a busy one, with Antony's future a key storyline to watch.