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The Saudi Arabia clubs have been heavily linked to Manchester United this summer, with several clubs looking for reinforcements.
Firstly there was interest in forgotten Red Devil Donny van de Beek. Reports claimed that Al-Ahli and Al-Ettifaq were both looking to the Dutchman to bolster their midfield, however unfortunately nothing materialised. The 27-year-old has finally left United permanently after several loan spells away from the club, now settling at Girona.
Next came a potential big money move which may still be possible before the summer is out. Saudi giants Al-Nassr were leading the race for Casemiro, being ready to offer between €90 million and €100 million for the Brazilian. The news came alongside reports that Cristiano Ronaldo was trying to call in a favour with his two time teammate in order to try and win some silver wear this coming season.
However Casemiro wasn’t the only United star that Al-Nassr have been interested in. Turning to another one of Ronaldo’s ex-teammates and international colleague, Al-Nassr began pursuing Bruno Fernandes. The Saudi club reportedly had a bid of €150 million being prepared for the 29-year-old, showing a real intent in signing the Portuguese star.
Moving away from Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal were looking to strengthen their side even further to defend their title this year. Al-Hilal are the giants of the Saudi Pro League, having won the King Cup a total of eleven times and have been league champions nineteen times. Hoping to retain their title and keep adding to the trophy cabinet, Al-Hilal were looking at United wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho to bolster their attack. However no details emerged around a fee for the star, presumably as United refused part ways with their new star man.
Now, one of the Saudi clubs are once more looking at the current class of Red Devils, with United keen to offload the winger.
Al-Nassr look to United winger
Saudi giants, Al-Nassr are now looking to United winger Antony as a potential target following the collapse of a deal for Barcelona’s Raphinha.
FootballInsdier has reported that the Saudi club are in the market for a winger this summer, now turning to Antony in an attempt to strengthen their attack.
It’s known that United are looking to offload the 24-year-old, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Dan Ashworth identifying him on two different lists of priority sales this summer.
Antony moved to Old Trafford in 2022 from Ajax for £82 million. Unfortunately the winger has failed to live up to the hype that he arrived with. Since joining the Red Devils, Antony has made 82 appearances for United, scoring eleven goals and grabbing five assists. Comparing this with the 24 goals and 22 assists in 82 games at Ajax, it’s clear to see that the Brazilian hasn’t registered the same contributions as in the Netherlands.
With the hefty sum that United paid for the star, the club need to be braced to make a considerable loss on the star given his current form. Even though the potential of big money that comes with interest from a Saudi side, it’s still not expected to help United come close to breaking even on their purchase of the Brazil international.
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