Manchester United elected to spend €100m on Antony instead of Napoli star Victor Osimhen last summer, because Cristiano Ronaldo was still at the club.
That’s according to journalist Ciro Venerato, who says Manchester United could have had the striker they’re longing for if Ronaldo had been moved on last summer instead of before the World Cup.
Antony arrived at Old Trafford from Ajax last summer after a couple of years starring in the Netherlands under Erik ten Hag’s leadership.
He’s only shown flashes of that form during his time in England so far, with him yet to fully justify the price that Manchester United paid for him.
Osimhen, meanwhile, has continued to develop into one of the best strikers in Europe with Napoli, leading the line superbly for the Serie A leaders and bagging 26 goals and five assists in 31 games in all competitions.
He is expected to move in the summer transfer window, with several big sides in Europe thought to be eyeing up a move as they all look to add an elite level striker to their squads.
Manchester United are one of them but Venerato says he could have actually moved last summer, had it not been for Ronaldo’s presence at the club.
“Napoli has no desire and is in no hurry to give him (Osimhen) away because they have a thriving balance sheet and therefore have no need to raise cash,” he said.
“Any pressure could come from the player and his entourage: there will be a mega auction because the top European clubs like him. De Laurentiis, if really forced to give it away, will want to sell it for €150m. De Laurentiis will try to block him for at least a year, improving his salary, for Osimhen he could make an exception to the rigid salary cap rule.
“However, if the right offer arrives from a technical and economic point of view, it is probable that De Laurentiis will also be able to satisfy Osimhen.
“Bayern Munich definitely like him. Chelsea were there when Potter was there, now it must be understood who will coach Chelsea and if the Blues still want Osimhen. If PSG were to give away some big names, they could certainly think of Osimhen. Real Madrid have Benzema, but I know for sure that they made a few calls to the entourage.
“Manchester United had already followed him last year, then chose to spend €100m for Antony. But he talked about it with Mendes who proposed Ronaldo to Napoli with the salary almost entirely paid by United and €100m cash for Osimhen.
“Then the thing was not done because Napoli were not ready to give up Osimhen and above all to take Ronaldo. However, United must be included among the teams on Osimhen. Everything is open but both sides do not hide that there may be the possibility of a farewell.”
