Fenerbahce hold “no interest” in signing Antony despite reports linking the Süper Lig side with a move for the Manchester United winger.
The Turkish giant, who are currently leading the Süper Lig with ten points from their opening four games, were reported to be considering a move for Antony.
Despite the deadline for transfers closing on August 30 in England, the Turkish window remains open until 18 September. This means clubs in the Süper Lig can still buy players from English teams, but not vice versa.
Antony, who has struggled enormously since his blockbuster move to Old Trafford in 2022 for an initial fee of £81.3 million, has fallen down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag.
Both Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho appear ahead of the queue on the right-wing for the Dutch manager, while players like Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount are also capable of filling in on that flank.
Club executives are thought to be open to Antony’s exit but there is acute awareness over the Financial Fair Play (FFP) costs involved in sanctioning the 24-year-old’s departure.
Antony has three years remaining on his current contract with United, with the option for a further twelve months. As such, the Brazilian’s amortised transfer cost equates to £16.3 million annually. Signed two years ago, the club have accounted for £32.6 million of his £81.3 million transfer fee, as this total figure is spread across the length of the player’s contract.
If Antony had been sold this summer, he would have had to have been sold at a minimum price of £48.7 million to not incur a negative FFP hit. And there is not a club in throughout Europe who would consider signing the struggling winger at that price.
There is unlikely to be one in Saudi Arabia either.
However, a loan move would offer a short-term compromise to this financial issue, while potentially offering Antony the platform to rebuild his reputation away from the harsh lights of Old Trafford.
It’s likely this option which drove the reports linking the Brazilian with a loan move to Fenerbahce.
But, as the Manchester Evening News reveals, the Turkish club have “no interest” in the 24-year-old with manager Jose Mourinho, formerly of Old Trafford himself, ruling out a move.
Next summer, United would need to sell Antony for a price greater than £32.5 million to generate a profit from an FFP perspective. And it’s this unfortunate reality off the pitch which is likely to keep the Brazilian at Old Trafford; not anything to do with his talents on it.
Play for free to win the new United kit! We’re awarding a new prize every PL matchweek, courtesy of Goat Kits! To play, just (1) Join this week’s brand new PL Challenge league here with our league code puu1tk and enter your team. (2) Follow The Peoples Person on X and answer the tie breaker question. Full instructions and rules here.
You can also visit Goat Kits at goatkitstore.com and use discount code TPP30 to get 30% off your first purchase!
