Erik ten Hag has a great relationship with Manchester United star Antony after he signed him for both Ajax and the Red Devils – and there is now speculation that the Brazilian could participate with him at New Club Bayer Leverkusen
Former Manchester United -Baas Erik ten Hag claimed that he could sign Antony for the third time in Bayer Leverkusen – but insisted that the Brazilian winger was “like a son for me”.
The Dutchman wants to start a new chapter with the Bundesliga side after taking the reign of Xabi Alonso and his turbulent enchantment with Manchester United behind him.
Ten HAG – who was taught by United last October after he led the team to their worst start ever to a Premier League season – shown a great affinity to Antony after signing him twice during his career.
He broke him up for Ajax for the first time in 2020 and helped him to convert into one of Europe's most talented Wingers, while playing a major role in the team that won Back -To Back Eredivisie -Titels.
Ten Hag then left for United in 2022 and brought him – while the club splashed £ 85 million on the player. However, he struggled to justify that huge figure at Old Trafford and only scored 12 times in 96 performances.
After ten Hag had been exhausted, he did not succeed in convincing his successor Ruben Amorim that he was a valuable member of his team and was properly sent to Real Betis – where he rediscovered his spark with nine goals and two assists.
After Antony's loan spell at Betis ended, his future is back in the air – which leads to speculation that he could connect with his old manager again – but ten HAG quickly concluded those suggestions.
To the question of the possibility of signing Antony, Ten Hag replied: 'He has high quality. I signed it twice.
“He was like a son for me, he is still a son for me. We are not currently interested in him, but we will see what will happen in the future.”
Ten Hag needs more attacking reinforcements at Leverkusen after losing Club Talisman Florian Wirtz, who left for Liverpool in a £ 116.5 million deal.
Wirtz scored 16 goals for Leverkusen last season and helped another 13, so he will be a painful loss – but the club has taken steps to replace him.
Leverkusen has signed attacking midfielder Malik Tillman of PSV for about £ 30 million – which is a club record compensation – while Ibrahim Maza from Hertha Berlin has also arrived.