By SABC Sport
22nd November 2024
Antony has returned measly figures of just 12 goals and five assists in 87 appearances for Man Utd. The Brazilian hasn't come close to justifying his lofty ã86m (add-ons included) price tag so far.
Even Erik ten Hag, the manager who signed Antony, had soured on the winger during the latter stages of his tenure. Indeed, Antony had been restricted to just five appearances this season totalling 155 minutes of action.
And according to a fresh update from Turkish media, new boss Amorim has adopted a similar outlook.
It's claimed Amorim 'does not consider' Antony a key member of his squad. The report went on to state Turkish giant Besiktas sense an opportunity to sign a player they first laid their eyes on over the summer.
A loan approach has been approved by Besiktas who hope to make up ground on Galatasaray and Fenerbahce in the second half of the season through the aid of an impactful January window.
Antony is the player in their sights and encouragingly for Besiktas, it's claimed he is 'positive about leaving the team in order to play more.'
If Antony were to join Besiktas a link-up with a handful of familiar faces would await.
Ex-Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Paulista is on the books, as is former Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Other Besiktas stars who've previously spent time in the Premier League include Arthur Masuaku and Joao Mario (West Ham), Gedson Fernandes (Tottenham) and Milot Rashica (Norwich). Lazio legend Ciro Immobile is also in situ.
Antony was spotted being trialled at right wing-back during Amorim's training sessions earlier this week.
The new manager is expected to immediately deploy his favoured 3-4-3 formation. With Marcus Rashford reportedly due to get the nod at striker and Bruno Fernandes taking up one of the spots behind the No 9, only one attacking position remains for the likes of Mason Mount, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo and Antony.
Antony has been consistently reported via the media that Man Utd are open to offloading if a buyer can be found.
A loan to Besiktas would do little to enhance United's spending power in January. It's also improbable Besiktas would commit to the level of option/obligation to buy Man Utd would find acceptable.
Nonetheless, a loan to a club where Antony will play regularly would provide the Brazilian with a chance to rediscover his form and put himself in the shop window ahead of the summer.
In other news, reports in France claim Man Utd have made contact with PSG over the loan signing of Randal Kolo Muani in January.
However, a fresh update from Football Transfers has revealed that while a loan exit has been approved in Paris, Newcastle and West Ham are likelier bets to sign the Frenchman.
Elsewhere, media reports claim Amorim has been left 'stunned' at what he witnessed during his first few training sessions at Carrington.
Per the report, the Portuguese was taken aback by the lack of speed and intensity exhibited by his players in training.