Romano gives Man Utd ‘IMPOSSIBLE’ transfer message

Robin Bairner

8 Nov 2023 12:55 GMT
4 min read

Erik ten Hag, Antony, Man Utd — © ProShots

Manchester United will not swap Antony for Flamengo’s Gabriel Barbosa during the January transfer window, with Fabrizio Romano declaring such a move as “impossible”.

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Antony has had a turgid second season at Man Utd following his big-money transfer from Ajax last summer, with the Brazil star waiting for his first goal or assist this term.

Additionally, the 23-year-old has been dogged by off-field troubles that caused him to miss four matches in September.

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When he has featured, his performances have typically been criticised, fuelling the suggestion that he could return to Brazil for a period, with Gabriel Barbosa moving in the other direction.

Romano, though, has scotched the suggestion that Antony could move to Flamengo.

“Antony is not returning to Flamengo,” the football transfer news expert told his YouTube channel. “We had rumours of a January swap deal with Manchester United for the January transfer window: Antony to Flamengo and Gabigol to Manchester United.

“Gabriel Barbosa – who is called Gabigol – is doing very well in Brazil. He’s a former Inter and Benfica player who is rumoured to be an opportunity for Man Utd in the upcoming transfer window.

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“From what I’m hearing, they are not discussing a swap deal in January because from what I’m hearing, Antony is not returning to Brazil. It’s impossible. The player wants to stay in Europe and at Manchester United to fight for his place, so nothing is ongoing in terms of a swap deal.

“For Manchester United signing a striker, that’s something to be discussed in December, not now. It will depend on the budget. We know all the stories about the owners and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but there’s no swap deal between Antony and Gabigol.”

© ProShots - Antony is in trouble at Man Utd

Antony rumour ‘strange in every way’

This echoes the astonished reaction from Brazil regarding the news.

“The reporting was strange in every way,” said journalist Jorge Nicola. “Firstly, because Barbosa is 27 years old and Antony is only 23, and secondly because the market values of the two players are miles apart. If I were a Flamengo fan, I would take the news with a pinch of salt. It is very illogical.”

Although there is no swap deal in the works for Gabriel Barbosa, Man Utd are looking for opportunities to bolster their centre-forward options in January, with Gabigol boasting 20 goals in 55 appearances in 2023.

Antony's transfer value over time

Despite this return, it would still rank as a big surprise if Man Utd were to sign the forward after unhappy stints at Inter and Benfica, where he netted only two goals in 15 total games.

Flamengo coach Braz responded to Panorama Esportivo on the rumours about a possible departure of his star player.

“Zero chance,” he said when asked if Gabigol would leave for Manchester United.