Man Utd unlock Antony exit in January as ‘£9.1m transfer’ nears completion

According to The Times, the La Liga club is looking to sign Antony on an initial loan deal until the end of the season.

Antony, who has scored just 12 goals and provided five assists in 94 appearances since joining United in 2022, is reportedly aware of the interest.

However, Betis needed to offload Diao before making a move for the 24-year-old, and that process now seems imminent.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Como is close to finalizing a £9.1 million deal to sign the Senegal-born 19-year-old in the coming days.

Como manager Cesc Fabregas is said to have spoken with Diao, and the transfer is considered imminent.

Once the Spain Under-21 international completes his move to Italy, Betis could proceed with their plans to sign Antony.

The Times also mentions that United would have to cover a portion of Antony’s £150,000-a-week wages if he moves to Spain.

Since taking charge of the Red Devils in November, Ruben Amorim has mainly used Antony as a makeshift wing-back.

Antony has not started any of United’s 19 Premier League games this season, appearing only three times in all competitions.

His position is expected to decline further once Amorim brings in at least one new wing-back and resolves the Marcus Rashford situation.

However, Amorim has praised Antony, noting that the Brazilian currently lacks confidence.

“He needs more confidence. If you remember the Antony I played against him in Ajax, he lacks a bit of confidence to go one against one but he will improve,” Amorim explained in December.

“He’s working really hard, and he’s trying. He’s playing more inside than outside, especially in this game, and he just has to do that: work really hard, and I will help him to be a better player.”

That said, if Antony’s output doesn’t improve, an exit will be inevitable after a disappointing three years since arriving in England from Ajax with Erik ten Hag.

And Diao’s departure could now fast-track that outcome.