“Find a new club. You have done enough damage to our club. We already have a replacement for you.”: This is according to Sir Jim Ratcliffe as Manchester United are finally to letting a major flop depart as a Saudi club identifies him as their “top target.”

Al-Nassr have made Antony a “top target” with Manchester United open to selling the Brazilian winger this summer, according to a report by Darragh Fox on August 6, 2024.

Pete O’Rourke from Football Insider reports that the Saudi Pro League club has “shifted their focus” to Antony after their attempt to sign Barcelona’s Raphinha fell through.

Saudi Arabia has become a hub for transfer activity, especially after the Public Investment Fund (PIF) acquired controlling shares in the Pro League’s top four clubs: Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr.

Manchester United are reportedly open to selling Antony this summer, with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr identifying the Brazilian winger as their “top target.”

According to Pete O’Rourke from Football Insider, Al-Nassr shifted their focus to Antony after failing to secure a deal for Barcelona’s Raphinha.

Saudi Arabia has become a significant player in the transfer market, especially after the Public Investment Fund (PIF) acquired controlling stakes in the Pro League’s top four clubs: Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the first major stars to join Al-Nassr, moving from United under controversial circumstances. Since then, other big names like N’Golo Kante, Karim Benzema, and Jordan Henderson have followed, attracted by lucrative offers to finish their careers in the Middle East.

Now, Antony may be set to follow Ronaldo’s path by leaving Old Trafford for a high-profile move to Al-Nassr as part of the Pro League’s new transfer strategy.

Manchester United are reportedly open to selling Antony this summer, with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr identifying the Brazilian winger as their “top target.”

According to Pete O’Rourke from Football Insider, Al-Nassr shifted their focus to Antony after failing to secure Barcelona’s Raphinha.

Saudi Arabia became a significant player in the transfer market last year, especially after the Public Investment Fund (PIF) acquired controlling stakes in the Pro League’s top four clubs: Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the first major stars to join Al-Nassr, moving from United under controversial circumstances. Other notable players, such as N’Golo Kante, Karim Benzema, and Jordan Henderson, followed, attracted by lucrative offers to finish their careers in the Middle East.

It now seems Antony could follow in Ronaldo’s footsteps by leaving Old Trafford for a high-profile move to Al-Nassr as part of the Pro League’s evolving transfer strategy.

This summer, Saudi clubs are reportedly shifting their focus towards signing younger players in or near their prime, rather than the older generation of stars signed last year.

For United, this shift in policy has impacted their plans to offload Casemiro, as Saudi interest in the Brazilian midfielder has cooled. Despite his stature in global football, United may be unable to secure a sale for Casemiro this summer, likely retaining him for at least another year.

However, Old Trafford could still benefit from the wealth of the Pro League as Al-Nassr targets Antony—a player who has struggled to adapt to the demands of English football since his £86 million transfer two summers ago.

O’Rourke reports that United officials informed the 24-year-old last month to “find a new club,” but interest from Europe’s top clubs—who are the only ones capable of affording Antony’s transfer fee—seems unlikely given his poor performances in England.

Despite this, the Brazilian winger remains a notable name in the football world, though not always for the best reasons. He has won two trophies during his two years at Old Trafford and has represented his country on numerous occasions. At 24, he is ostensibly about to enter his prime.

This aligns well with the Saudi Pro League’s new approach and explains why Al-Nassr is prioritizing a move for the former Ajax player.

The report also indicates that Manchester United would be “willing to let [Antony] leave on loan” as long as his wages are fully covered.