Bayer Leverkusen Monitoring Antony as Erik ten Hag Eyes Reunion with Manchester United Flop

Could Bayer Leverkusen Be Antony’s Route to Redemption?

It seems the next chapter in Antony’s turbulent European adventure may be taking shape away from the bright lights of Old Trafford. According to reports emerging from Germany, Bayer Leverkusen are currently “monitoring” the Brazilian winger as they weigh up their attacking options ahead of the 2025-26 season. With manager Erik ten Hag also eyeing a reunion with the former Ajax star, there could be a compelling twist in what has so far been a frustrating Premier League stint.

What Happened to Antony at United?

When Manchester United shelled out over £80 million for Antony in 2022, expectations were sky-high. He was the marquee signing that summer, a dynamic talent brought in by Ten Hag, who had previously nurtured the Brazilian into a star during their Ajax days.

However, the dream quickly soured. Despite a few flashes of brilliance early on, Antony struggled for consistency in England. Injuries, tactical mismatches, and media pressure compounded a generally underwhelming tenure. By 2024, the winger had slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford, raising doubts over his long-term future at the club.

Erik ten Hag and the Potential Reunion

Enter Erik ten Hag once again. The Dutchman remains a staunch admirer of Antony, and if reports from Sky Sports Germany are to be believed, he could be instrumental in orchestrating a Bundesliga reunion. While Ten Hag’s own position at Manchester United has fluctuated, there are whispers of a potential move to Leverkusen or even influence over their sporting project through close ties with his former Ajax colleagues.

His familiarity with Antony could be a game-changer. Ten Hag knows how to extract the best out of the Brazilian, having built an attacking system at Ajax that suited the winger’s instincts. If Leverkusen proceed with a move, it might finally allow Antony the fresh start he seems to desperately need.

Antony at Real Betis: A Glimpse of the Old Magic

Atletico de Madrid v Real Betis Balompie – La Liga EA Sports

Before Bayer Leverkusen began sniffing around, Antony had already started to rebuild his reputation in Spain. A loan spell at Real Betis during the 2024-25 campaign allowed him to rediscover form and confidence.

In 24 starts across all competitions, he netted nine goals, playing a pivotal role in helping Betis reach the final of the UEFA Conference League. It wasn’t just about the stats; he looked like a different player — freer, sharper, and far more engaged than at any point in his United career. That rejuvenated version of Antony has understandably piqued interest in Germany.

The Wirtz Effect: Why Leverkusen Are Interested Now

Bayer Leverkusen’s interest in Antony isn’t just driven by nostalgia or admiration from afar. There’s a very real, pressing need brewing within the club. Star midfielder Florian Wirtz, one of Europe’s most promising young playmakers, is heavily linked with a mega-money move to Liverpool.

According to multiple sources, including AS and Kicker, Liverpool have already tabled an offer north of £105 million for Wirtz. Leverkusen, understandably, are playing hardball and reportedly want closer to €150 million. Yet the writing seems to be on the wall: Wirtz is likely leaving, and when he does, a creative chasm will open up in the side.

That’s where Antony potentially fits in. While not a direct replacement in terms of position or playstyle, he does bring flair, dribbling ability, and a proven knack for unlocking defences. In a team built around speed and technical sharpness, he could flourish.

Juventus Also in the Mix

Of course, Bayer Leverkusen won’t have a clear run at the Brazilian. Juventus, too, are keeping tabs. The Serie A giants have reportedly had Antony on their radar since the beginning of 2025 and are now weighing whether to turn their passive interest into an actual bid.

Juventus’ interest presents a different kind of opportunity. Italy’s tactical rigidity and defensive structure might pose a new challenge for Antony, but it could also give him the environment to develop more discipline and tactical intelligence. For the player, it might come down to choosing between Ten Hag’s familiar embrace or a fresh Italian canvas.

What’s Next for Antony?

Real Betis Balompie v Chelsea FC – UEFA Conference League Final 2025

As it stands, Antony’s future remains uncertain. Manchester United seem open to offloading him, but they won’t want to take too much of a financial hit. Leverkusen, on the other hand, are known for smart, value-driven business. Whether the numbers add up for both parties will be crucial.

And for Antony, this could be the most important decision of his career. At 24, he’s no longer a prospect — he’s a player in need of a stable home, a manager who believes in him, and a system that allows him to express his creativity without the suffocating pressure he felt at United.

Could a Bundesliga Move Be His Redemption?

There’s a compelling case to be made that the Bundesliga, with its open, attacking style, might suit Antony far more than the rigours of the Premier League. Leverkusen, especially under a coach like Xabi Alonso or another tactician open to flair, could be the right stage.

If Ten Hag does end up influencing a move behind the scenes, whether from a technical director role or through mutual contacts, it would be an opportunity to rewrite the script on Antony’s European story.

Final Thoughts

Antony has become a symbol of Manchester United’s turbulent transfer strategy in recent years — expensive, hyped, but ultimately underwhelming. And yet, that narrative doesn’t have to be his legacy.

With Bayer Leverkusen “monitoring” his situation and Erik ten Hag potentially setting the stage for a Bundesliga reunion, Antony might just be on the cusp of redemption. Whether it’s in Germany, Italy, or somewhere else, the key question remains: will he grasp the next opportunity with both hands?

Time will tell, but for now, the eyes of Europe are watching — and waiting.