According to an update by reputed German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Antony is the subject of interest from Bayer Leverkusen. Erik ten Hag is mulling over a reunion with the player he signed at Manchester United for over £80 million in 2022. However, the Brazilian international is only “on the list” at BayArena right now, and it’s “nothing more than that”.
Meanwhile, a report by Spanish outlet Diario de Sevilla, as relayed by Sport Witness, has revealed that La Liga club Real Betis will hold a meeting with the South American attacker’s agents to work on a strategy that will suit all three parties. The Andalusian giants are keen on signing the player on “another loan deal that would include the option of another loan at the end of next season and a percentage of his rights”.
Antony has resurrected his stuttering fortunes since joining Real Betis from Manchester United on loan until the end of the 2024/25 season in the winter transfer window earlier this year. The 25-year-old was a pivotal figure for Los Verdiblancos and helped them reach the UEFA Europa Conference League final.
The Brazilian international ended the 2024/25 season with a decent tally of five goals and ten assists in only 2,539 minutes of game time across 40 appearances in all competitions. Meanwhile, the former Ajax winger’s exploits have compelled Real Betis to seek another move this summer, while Bayer Leverkusen may also aim to beat the competition to his signature.
Real Betis’s interest in securing another move for Antony is hardly surprising. The South American attacker was instrumental in helping Los Verdiblancos finish sixth in La Liga while reaching the UEFA Europa Conference League final. However, the Andalusian giants do not have the funds to afford a permanent move and will seek another loan deal when they hold a meeting with his agents.
As for Bayer Leverkusen, Florian Wirtz will likely join Liverpool in the summer transfer window, leaving a gaping hole in the offensive unit. While the Manchester United outcast will not be a like-for-like replacement for Wirtz, he can be a top-class addition to the Bundesliga club’s attack under Erik ten Hag.
The Dutch tactician is renowned for seeking moves for players he has previously worked with, and recent reports have linked Bayer Leverkusen with Alejandro Garnacho. So, it will not be surprising to see the 25-year-old Brazilian international reuniting with Erik ten Hag at Bayer Leverkusen if he does not return to Real Betis in the summer transfer window.
