When Manchester United signed Antony from Ajax last year for a transfer fee believed to be around €100 million, the Brazilian international arrived with a lot of expectations. He had been a standout in the Eredivisie and Erik ten Hag already knew what to expect from him. Unfortunately, things have not gone as expected and he has proven to be a major disappointment. So much so that the Premier League club appear to have a former Real Madrid winger in their sights to replace the 23-year-old.
The player in question is none other than Takefusa Kubo. The Japanese international has been one of the best players in La Liga since joining Real Sociedad.
As reported by The Sun, Manchester United are eyeing Kubo as a replacement for Antony. They have sent scouts to watch him on at least seven occasions this season. It is understood that Real Sociedad would accept a transfer fee in the region of £43 million for the winger.
Kubo spent three years at Real Madrid but never made a first-team appearance for Los Blancos. He has emerged as a star since leaving the club for Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022.
Manchester United want to sign former Real Madrid winger
Interestingly, Real Madrid are believed to hold a 50% sell-on clause in Kubo's deal at Real Sociedad. Los Blancos have themselves been linked with a move for the Japanese international in recent months.
It is not hard to understand why. Kubo has been one of the best players in the Spanish top flight lately. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he has scored 6 goals and provided 3 assists in 16 La Liga appearances so far this season.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Kubo. But he seems destined to play for one of the biggest teams in Europe when or if he leaves Real Sociedad.