“I was Very Close to Joining Liverpool” – Man United Forward Makes Transfer Revelation | OneFootball

Antony’s Near Miss with Liverpool: Insights from His Career Upswing

Antony, currently on loan at Real Betis, recently disclosed a previously unknown detail about his career path: he was very close to signing with Liverpool in 2022. This revelation came during a period marked by uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s contract renewal with the club. According to Antony, during his interview with Sayed Nawabi for Saudi outlet Koora, the discussions were quite advanced. He said, “Correct.. I was very close to signing for Liverpool, but no one knew what was going to happen.” This statement sheds light on how different his career trajectory could have been.

Career Revival at Betis

Since his move to Real Betis, Antony has experienced a significant upturn in form, scoring in three consecutive matches. This stark transformation raises questions about the nurturing environment at Manchester United, especially given his struggles after a high-profile transfer from Ajax. Antony attributes his revival to psychological factors, expressing a newfound happiness in his daily life and enjoyment in his game. “The most important thing is that I have found myself again. I am happy to be enjoying myself every day. Things go well when we are happy, content,” he explained.

Photo: IMAGO

Implications of What Could Have Been

Antony’s potential move to Liverpool invites speculation about how his career might have unfolded differently had he joined the Merseyside team known for its structured and functional management. The contrast with his challenging time at Manchester United is stark, reflecting on the impact of club environments on player performance.

Strategic Decisions and Their Impact

The decision-making process in football transfers is often complex and multifaceted. Antony’s near transfer to Liverpool was thwarted by Salah’s contract renewal, as confirmed by Antony’s agent, Junior Pedroso. This incident highlights the delicate balance clubs maintain between existing talents and potential new signings. Antony remarked on Salah’s quality, saying, “Salah is an amazing player and has been doing great things for a long time. He’s a very cool player. I don’t know if he’s the best in the world at the moment, but he’s definitely among the best and he’s in strong competition for the Ballon d’Or.”