Manchester United are reportedly “willing to put €50m on the table” to sign pacy Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo, as they are already eyeing up potential replacements for €95 million flop Antony.
According to AS (via Sport Witness), Manchester United are interested in bringing Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo to Old Trafford and could table a swap deal that would see Antony head in the opposite direction; however, La Real president Jokin Aperribay would not be open to such an offer “under any circumstances.”
The Red Devils showed a lot of promise in Erik ten Hag’s debut season as manager, finishing third in the Premier League, lifting the Carabao Cup, and reaching the FA Cup final. However, the 2023/24 season has been a big step backwards, with Manchester United apparently lurching from one problem to the next and a number of their best talents failing to produce.
Antony is among several United stars who are not having the best of the seasons. The Brazilian arrived at Old Trafford for €95 million from Ajax in 2022 but has struggled to find any form. In fact, the 23-year-old has failed to provide a single goal or assist so far this season.
Recent reports suggest manager Ten Hag is finally running out of patience and is ready to sell the desperately out-of-form winger, with a replacement already lined up in the form of fleet-footed Japanese attacker Kubo.
United aren’t just interested in signing Kubo to replace Antony, but they might even send the Brazilian flop the other way as a makeweight, despite the fact that the 22-year-old Japanese international boasts a €60 million release clause, around two-thirds of what Antony cost in the first place.
The former Barcelona and Real Madrid wonderkid has been one of the most exciting and effective players in La Liga for the last couple of years and has been a revelation since moving from Real Madrid to Real Sociedad in a £5.5 million deal last summer.
He’s become the Basque side’s talisman following David Silva’s retirement and has racked up 15 goals and 13 assists in 67 games for La Real so far. He was also instrumental in helping Sociedad top their Champions League group this season.
Known for his fantastic dribbling and ability to manoeuvre away from defenders in tight spaces, his performances and improved output in front of goal are drawing the attention of top-tier teams, including Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Manchester United.
Real Madrid know Kubo well; he was on their books for three years, although he did not play a single competitive match for the first time during that time. Los Blancos reserve a hefty 50 percent sell-on clause, which means that they can re-sign him for around the €30 million mark.
Despite strong outside interest, Kubo is currently said to be “very happy” at Sociedad, as he has found a permanent home after several loan spells away from Madrid. And his new La Liga club are providing him with the perfect platform to showcase his talents.
