Erik ten Hag Shares Possibility Of Signing Antony

When Erik ten Hag accepted the role as Bayer Leverkusen’s new head coach in May 2025, few names would’ve felt more familiar to him than that of Antony. The Brazilian winger, who once lit up Ajax’s right flank under ten Hag’s guidance, remains a player close to the Dutch manager’s heart. Now, with the 25-year-old winger back in the spotlight after a resurgent loan spell at Real Betis, a reunion in Germany has started to feel more like a possibility than a fantasy.

Finding Redemption In Seville

Antony’s time at Manchester United never really took off. Signed in the summer of 2022 for a staggering £86 million, the expectations were sky-high. It was ten Hag’s guy, the player he trusted, the one he believed could bring a touch of flair and unpredictability to Old Trafford. But things didn’t click.

Whether it was the physicality of the Premier League or the pressure that came with the price tag, Antony often looked like a player caught between instincts and overthinking. His decision-making frustrated fans, and his output rarely justified the investment. By January 2025, United made the call to send him on loan to Real Betis.

At Betis, under Manuel Pellegrini, Antony found rhythm, maybe even for the first time in years. He wasn’t trying to live up to a transfer fee. He wasn’t trying to carry the weight of a struggling United side. He was just playing football, and it was evident.

The Brazilian became an integral part of Betis’ campaign, contributing nine goals and five assists across competitions and playing a starring role in their journey to the UEFA Conference League final, which they lost to Chelsea. It was a version of Antony that United fans had only seen in flashes, but in Seville, he was consistent, direct, and, most importantly, confident.

A Market Heating Up

Betis is keen to bring him back, either on another loan or permanently, but they are not alone. Interest has emerged from RB Leipzig, Brighton, Newcastle United, and, intriguingly, Bayer Leverkusen, now led by ten Hag himself. Though initial reports had suggested Manchester United were willing to let Antony go for as little as £20–30 million, recent updates from Brazil’s UOL say the club has adjusted its stance, now valuing him closer to the £50 million mark. It is a number that reflects his revitalized reputation, especially after his strong showing in Spain.

Betis may struggle to meet that fee outright. Their interest remains strong, but the financial logistics make things complicated. However, Leverkusen might have the ambition and resources to make it happen, especially if Ten Hag pushes for it.

ten Hag’s loyalty

ten Hag has not been shy about his admiration for Antony. Speaking to Bild, he didn’t hold back. “He has great quality. I signed him twice. He was like a son to me, he still is a son to me,” he said. Admiration alone, however, doesn’t make a transfer happen. The Dutchman quickly clarified that, at least for now, Leverkusen isn’t making a move. “We’re not interested in him at the moment,” he added, “but we’ll see what happens in the future.”

That last line leaves the door wide open. After all, if anyone knows how to get the best out of Antony, it’s ten Hag. The winger’s best football came under his management, first at Ajax, and arguably now again after being sent out by Ten Hag’s former club.

There’s also a tactical fit. Leverkusen, who are entering a new phase after Xabi Alonso’s exit to Real Madrid, need wide options who can stretch defenses and create moments of chaos. Antony might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but he can do that, and Ten Hag knows it.

Final Thoughts

Antony isn’t rushing this. He’s back from loan, still under contract at United until 2027, and finally in a place where clubs want him again, not out of desperation, but based on what he’s shown on the pitch. He wants clarity in his next step. He wants a project and someone he can trust.

Leverkusen could offer that, and so could Betis. Leipzig or a Premier League side with a need for creativity out wide. What stands out most is the potential third act with Ten Hag, a coach who never lost faith, even when the rest of the world did. It remains to be seen whether it happens this summer, but if it does, it’ll be a reunion based not just on tactics or transfers but also on trust.