One Manchester United loanee has delivered a big hint on his pending Old Trafford exit after Rúben Amorim’s club set their asking price for the player this summer.
Manchester United’s January transfer window saw multiple first-team players depart Rúben Amorim’s first team as the club looked to trim their wage bill.
First-team forwards Marcus Rashford and Antony both left for Aston Villa Real Betis on loan, respectively, with Tyrell Malacia joining PSV Eindhoven on a temporary contract. All three players have been deemed surplus to requirements by Amorim.
Many young Academy talents, such as Ethan Ennis and Ethan Williams, have also been sent out on loan to get their first taste of senior football.
With the summer window approaching, United are expected to sell many of the first-team players currently on loan, including Jadon Sancho, who is on loan at Chelsea.
Antony delivers major exit hint
Since Antony signed for La Liga side Betis for the remainder of the season, he has been nothing short of spectacular. He has eight goal contributions in 11 games and has been pivotal in the side’s push for European football next season.
With rumours swirling about his potential exit this summer, Antony opened up on his feelings toward United, where he stated how happy he is at Betis and hinted that he will certainly depart Old Trafford this summer by speaking about the club as if his tenure has already ended.
Speaking to DAZN, the Brazilian said: “If they pay that kind of money for you, it’s because you have talent and quality. Wherever I go, I’ll always speak highly of United.
“I’m very grateful to the club and to Erik ten Hag for what we experienced together, for the titles, and for everything I’ve learned. I had difficult times there, but also very good ones.
“I think it prepared me to be here today, enjoying myself. My mind is here, and I’m very happy.”
How much will United demand for Antony this summer?
United paid around £85 million for Antony in 2022, and there is no way they will be able to recoup this entire fee when he is offloaded in the summer market.
However, it seems as if the club are hoping they will be able to grab around half of the fee, with Stretty News explaining that Amorim’s men will demand a £40 million fee for the player.
According to the amortisation value of Antony’s fee broken down over his five-year contract, United would need to receive a fee of over £34 million in order to record his sale as a profit this summer.
Betis are said to be interested in taking the player on loan again for next season, but with United needing cash this summer, it’s unlikely they would accept another loan move.
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