Manchester United have reportedly given the ‘green light’ to part ways with Antony in January in a remarkable swap deal that could see him move back to Brazil.
The 23-year-old arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 in a £85.5million transfer but has struggled to find the back of the net, scoring just eight times in 54 appearances across all competitions.
The Brazilian is also also yet to open his goal account for the 2023-24 season despite having played in ten games this season for Erik ten Hag’s side.
United are now, according to The Mirror, looking to bolster their attacking options and could offer Antony in a part exchange deal for Flamengo forward Gabriel Barbosa.
The deal would reportedly see the former Ajax winger move to the Serie A side on a ‘part-exchange loan’.
Manchester United have reportedly given the ‘green light’ for a swap deal for Antony in January
Erik ten Hag’s side are looking to bolster their attacking options after having struggled in front of goal this season
A permanent deal for Antony is unlikely, with his contract set to expire in 2027.
The Red Devils have had difficulties scoring this season with Marcus Rashford having scored once in the league, while Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund all only scoring once this season.
The team currently sit eighth in the Premier League standings having found the back of the net 12 times this season, with the lion’s share of their goals coming from midfield, with Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay being their top scorer so far in the league season with three goals each.
Fernandes proved pivotal during Man United’s 1-0 win against Fulham on Saturday, scoring a last-gasp goal to help his side end a two-match losing streak.
Barbosa, meanwhile, scored 20 times in 55 appearances across all competitions for Flamengo last season.
The 27-year-old, who plays as a centre-forward, has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time, with Arsenal, West Ham and Newcastle having previously shown an interest in signing him.
United could swap the former Ajax winger for Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa (pictured)
Barbosa scored 20 times across all competitions last season for the Brazilian side
After starting his career with Santos, the Brazilian has spent some time in Europe, playing with both Benfica and Inter Milan and notably endured a difficult loan spell with the Serie A side in 2019.
Since then he has found his form, going on to attract the attention of many clubs around Europe having also scored 29 goals in the 2021-22 season in all competitions.
United are looking to acquire a new striker in the January transfer window to ease the burden on Rasmus Hojlund, who is yet to find the back of the net in the league after his Summer transfer to Old Trafford.
Ten Hag’s side have been linked with Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Napoli star Victor Osimhen.
