Manchester United are making extreme measures in reshaping their squad for the 2025–26 campaign by listing wingers Antony and Jadon Sancho for sale. The action is a departure from the club's long-term plan, as both marquee players have their futures under question after unimpressive stints at Old Trafford.
Antony's La Liga Spell at Real Betis
In loan at Real Betis, Brazilian winger Antony has at times shown the flair and ability that first led United to splurge and pay a then-record £85 million to sign him from Ajax in 2022. Consistency, however, has never been his issue. At Betis, Antony has given a few top-level performances but so far is still unable to fully convince the Andalusian club to make his loan a permanent residence.
His stint at Manchester United has been marred by criticism of his final product, with most fans and pundits doubting his final-third decision-making. Despite backing by Erik ten Hag, who had worked with him at Ajax, the club has now made the definitive move to put him on the transfer list.
For further background on Antony's move from Ajax, read Sky Sports' transfer report.
Sancho's Chelsea Revival?
Jadon Sancho, on the other hand, is on loan to Chelsea FC, trying to revive a career that was so bright after his initial seasons at Borussia Dortmund. Once one of the most promising young stars in Europe, Sancho's Manchester United career has been dramatic—marred by dips in performance, public confrontations with the coaching staff, and long spells out of the side.
At Chelsea, Sancho has provided glimpses of a renaissance, seeing more minutes and playing with a level of assurance not seen in his recent United days. Whether Chelsea will be willing to negotiate a proper transfer or if he'll return to Manchester to merely be farmed out again, though, remains to be seen.
Catch up on Sancho's loan transfer and Chelsea performances at BBC Sport.
A Clear-Out Strategy
Both Antony and Sancho being placed on the transfer list is symptomatic of a larger clear-out strategy by Manchester United's board, likely out of new leadership and ongoing efforts at reducing the wage bill and investing in younger, more dependable players. Both of them are high earners, and freeing up that money could potentially open doors for future signings in priority areas like central midfield and defense.
Check out Manchester United's player changes on Transfermarkt.
What's Next?
The futures of Antony and Sancho are now at risk. Both of them still retain market value and are being pursued by clubs in Europe, so summer 2025 could see blockbuster signings for the wingers. For United, negotiation will be important in getting good deals that either break even with initial investment or make room for the club's future attacking stars.
As the transfer window looms, all eyes will be on Real Betis and Chelsea to see whether they try permanent signings of their respective loanees—or whether there are new bids for what promises to be a dramatic summer for Manchester United's transfer activity.
External Resources:
- Manchester United Official Website
- Chelsea FC Official Website
- Real Betis Official Website
- Transfermarkt – Player Market Values
- Sky Sports Football
- BBC Sport – Football
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