Man Utd greenlight extraordinary Antony swap deal

Stuart Telford

• Updated: 5 Nov 2023 10:35 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United want to sign Gabriel Barbosa in January and are reportedly willing to send Antony on loan to Flamengo as part of the deal.

United are ready to shake up their attack once Sir Jim Ratcliffe's bid for 25 per cent of the club has been ratified.

The Red Devils have endured an abject start to the season, and despite spending €75 million on Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund, their three-goal top scorers are Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay, midfielders both.

READ: How Man Utd stopped Liverpool from HUGE Antony transfer mistake

Barbosa, known as 'Gabigol', has been shortlisted, an experienced Brazil international who could take some of the goalscoring burden from Hojlund's shoulders, and United are so keen to sign him that they'll sweeten the deal with Antony.

Antony offered in part-exhange

"Manchester United want Brazilian striker Gabriel Barbosa in January and are willing to offer Antony in part exchange on loan," reports The Mirror's James Nursey.

"Barbosa, 27… is available at a discounted £20 million as his contract is up at the end of 2024. His club Flamengo are also interested in taking Barbosa's Brazilian compatriot Anthony off United's hands on loan in part exchange for the forward…"

READ: Who is Gabigol? Neymar's successor linked with Everton and West Ham

Gabigol's highest value was €30.2m (£26.2m) two shorts seasons ago according to FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm, and if he can repeat his goalscoring feats in England his £20m asking price could prove a snip. The striker has 20 goals across all competitions this season.

Antony has flattered to deceive at Old Trafford, meanwhile, his eight goals and three assists in 55 games since his €95m arrival from Ajax in summer 2022 not the return the club were hoping for from their second-most expensive transfer ever.

United picked up a much-needed win at Fulham on Saturday, but Antony was booed off the pitch and a loan back to his homeland could suit all parties, especially if it facilitates Gabigol's arrival.