Antony: FC Barcelona eyeing a swift loan move for Manchester United “black sheep”
FC Barcelona might want to bolster their attacking options in the upcoming few months as they are closely monitoring the situation of the “black sheep” of Manchester United, Brazilian attacker Antony, who seems to have fallen down the pecking order for manager Erik Ten Hag. According to several news outlets in Spain, the Catalan giants, who are undergoing a tricky phase in this season, might look to secure the services of Antony in the upcoming days.
Antony- the Brazilian wizard
Antony has been one of the bigger names among the ranks of Manchester United who has failed to swoon over the audience in the Theatre of Dreams, Old Trafford, after joining the side in 2022. A product of Ajax football club, and among the favorites of Erik Ten Hag when the gaffer was at the helm of Dutch giants, Antony might not have lived up to his expectations this season with the Red Devils, which have even brought him down the pecking order in the United attack.
According to Spanish news outlet El Nacional, Catalan giants FC Barcelona are looking to bring on deck Antony, who has gradually transformed into the “black sheep” of the Premier League heavyweights. It has mentioned about the “serious problem” at the club as Antony was coach’s personal choice who “was convinced that he could become a key piece, and be one of the pillars of the team.” Apparently, this has not turned out according to Ten Hag’s plan.
Garnacho on the right wing, replacing Antony
Owing to the former Ajax and Sau Paolo star’s disastrous form at the right flank, it is occupied by his Latin American rival Alejandro Garnacho. Although, at the end of 2021-22 season, things were different for the Brazilian, as his imminent move to Red Devils was thought as a masterstroke from Erik Ten Hag, who had seen the caliber and exuberance of the star, predominantly known for his on-field skills.
He was thought to be the star who “had become one of the most sought-after footballers in Europe, and in the Eredivisie he managed to attract the attention of the best teams on the planet, so at Old Trafford they were convinced that they had made the right decision with this investment.” After a woeful first season, he was given time to acclimatize with the English football sector, which was way more tougher than he had thought.
The Premier League club was convinced that “he would be able to demonstrate the sensational skills that he possesses in boots.” But, this season, he has taken a horrendous suffering on his back, scoring zero goals and having zero assists in 22 outings.
Right choice for Barcelona?
FC Barcelona, on the other hand, might be suffering from a lacunae of attacking prowess, in spite of having Lewandowski, Felix and Ferran Torres among their ranks. To add to their arsenal, Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque has joined forces from Atletico Paranaense. If Antony, despite his woeful form, joins Barca, he might be able to turn his fortunes, with Xavi at his side. The Catalan news outlet has claimed that “Ten Hag, who in the past was a great supporter of the Brazilian international, is very unhappy with him, and would not be opposed to a farewell. And here Barça has appeared, who have been very seriously interested in welcoming him into Xavi Hernández’s discipline.”
After experiencing personal problems with his partner, there has been a significant dip in Antony’s form, who seems to have taken a sabbatical from scoring goals. In this mix, it is said that Barca president Joan Laporta and Sporting director Deco see this as an opportunity to bring Antony on deck, but on loan, due to the shackles of Financial Fair Play rules in La Liga.
The news outlet has finished their report by saying that “the only option for him to be able to wear Barcelona is for him to arrive on loan, and it is an alternative that is being studied. Antony would be delighted to try his luck at Barça.”
Will Antony be a perfect foil to play as a right winger in the ranks of FC Barcelona, if he signs for them? Only time will tell that!
