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Erik ten Hag reportedly wants Bayer Leverkusen to sign Antony and Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United this summer. He could look to make a double swoop for the two out-of-favor stars.
Ten Hag was appointed Manchester United's manager in the summer of 2022 but was sacked in October 2024 after a string of poor performances. He won the FA Cup and the EFL Cup with the club. He has now been appointed as Bayer Leverkusen's manager following Xabi Alonso's move to Real Madrid.
Leverkusen are set to see a number of key players depart. Central defender Jonathan Tah has joined Bayern Munich on a free transfer, while Jeremie Frimpong has moved to Liverpool. As per journalist David Ornstein, the Reds have also made a €130 million bid for Florian Wirtz.
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Hence, as per Kicker (via talkSPORT), Ten Hag has identified Garnacho and Antony as two targets to strengthen his attack. The Dutchman worked with Antony at Ajax before signing him for Manchester United. However, the winger only recorded 12 goals and five assists in 96 games for them before being sent on loan to Real Betis in January 2025.
Antony is set to return to United as his loan deal with Betis had no option or obligation to buy. Meanwhile, Garnacho has had a falling out with manager Ruben Amorim and is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer.
Antony on his future at Manchester United amidst interest from Bayer Leverkusen
The Brazilian winger had a productive loan spell at Real Betis, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 26 games. He is notably just three G/A short of matching his tally at Manchester United despite playing 70 games fewer.
Antony, however, failed to help the Spanish side beat Chelsea in the UEFA Europa Conference League final on May 28. After the final, he was asked about his future, and he said (via talkSPORT):
"I don't what will happen in the future, only God knows. My work is playing and I'm doing that well. I have a lot of affection for Betis, for everyone but I have a contract with Man United and I don't know what's going to happen.
"Now I will go to the national team and then on holiday then we will see what happens in the future. I'm very happy here, everyone knows that but I have a contract."
Antony has notably made 166 appearances under Erik ten Hag at Ajax and Manchester United, scoring 34 goals and providing 25 assists. With Bayer Leverkusen linked with him, a reunion could be on the cards.
