Antony Reveals He Was 'Very Close' to Replacing Mohamed Salah at Liverpool Before Joining Manchester United
Antony’s arrival at Manchester United in the summer of 2022 was one of the biggest transfer stories of that window. The Brazilian winger, who had been excelling at Ajax under Erik ten Hag, secured a high-profile move to Old Trafford for a staggering £82 million fee. However, recent revelations suggest that his career could have taken a completely different trajectory. In a surprising twist, Antony has now confirmed that he was "very close" to joining Liverpool as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah before United made their move.
Liverpool's Interest in Antony
Liverpool’s interest in Antony stemmed from the uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s contract situation in the summer of 2022. At the time, Salah had just one year left on his deal, and there were growing concerns that the Egyptian forward might leave Anfield. With the possibility of losing one of the Premier League’s most prolific attackers, Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and his recruitment team were actively scouting potential replacements.
Antony, who had been excelling at Ajax, emerged as a serious candidate. His pace, dribbling ability, and flair on the right wing made him a natural fit for Liverpool’s high-intensity attacking style. Reports suggest that Liverpool had already initiated discussions with Antony’s representatives and were closely monitoring his situation.
According to Antony’s agent, Junior Pedroso, Liverpool’s interest was genuine. "Yes, this story has a basis in truth," Pedroso revealed. "Salah renewed his contract at the time with Liverpool, and that made Antony's move to Liverpool impossible."
Why Antony’s Move to Liverpool Collapsed
Ultimately, Salah ended speculation about his future by signing a lucrative new three-year contract with Liverpool in July 2022. The deal, worth around £350,000 per week, made Salah the highest-paid player in Liverpool’s history and ensured his continued presence at Anfield. With Salah staying, Liverpool no longer needed to pursue Antony.
At the same time, Manchester United, under new manager Erik ten Hag, were aggressively pursuing reinforcements to bolster their squad. Having previously worked with Antony at Ajax, Ten Hag was determined to bring the Brazilian winger to Old Trafford. United’s interest intensified, and the club eventually secured his signature for a hefty transfer fee.
How Their Careers Have Unfolded Since
Since their respective decisions, Salah and Antony have had contrasting fortunes.
Salah has continued to prove why he remains one of the best players in world football. Since the start of the 2022/23 season, he has amassed 65 goals and 40 assists across all competitions, maintaining his status as Liverpool’s most important attacker. Even at 32, Salah remains a key figure in Klopp’s plans, and discussions about his long-term future at Liverpool remain ongoing.
On the other hand, Antony’s time at Manchester United has been less successful. Despite a promising start, he has struggled with consistency and has faced criticism for his lack of end product. Since joining United, he has managed just 12 goals and five assists in 87 appearances—a return that has raised concerns among fans and analysts. His high transfer fee has only added to the pressure, with many questioning whether United overpaid for a player who has yet to fully adapt to the Premier League.
Moreover, Antony’s off-field issues have also been a distraction. He has faced scrutiny regarding personal matters, and his performances on the pitch have suffered as a result. Reports now suggest that Manchester United may even consider parting ways with him in the near future, particularly if a new managerial direction is taken at the club.
What the Future Holds
As of early 2025, Liverpool once again faces uncertainty over Salah’s long-term future. His contract is set to expire in 2025, and while he remains a vital player, discussions about a potential successor have already begun. Whether Liverpool will revisit their interest in Antony remains to be seen, but given his struggles at United, a move to Anfield seems unlikely at this stage.
For Antony, the challenge is to prove his worth at Manchester United. With growing pressure on Erik ten Hag and the possibility of a managerial change, the Brazilian winger will need to step up his performances if he wants to justify his hefty price tag and secure his long-term future at Old Trafford.
In hindsight, Antony’s decision to join United over Liverpool may not have worked out as he had hoped. If Salah had left in 2022, things could have been very different for both Antony and Liverpool. However, as things stand, Salah remains a key player at Anfield, while Antony continues to struggle to make a lasting impact at Old Trafford.
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