Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reportedly considered signing Manchester United’s £86million winger Antony as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, according to The Times.
Salah, whose exceptional goal-scoring form has propelled Liverpool to the top of the Premier League after 11 games, is out of contract next summer and has yet to agree to an extension with the Reds.
Speculation surrounding the Egyptian star’s future, along with that of key teammates Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, has dominated discussions on Merseyside this season.
This uncertainty has only been amplified by Klopp’s departure at the end of last season.
Should Salah decide to leave Anfield, a move abroad is seen as the most likely outcome, with Saudi Arabia frequently mentioned as a possible destination.
Salah’s exit would leave a massive void, as he is widely regarded as one of Liverpool’s all-time greats, boasting over 200 goals for the club.
According to reports, two summers ago, during contract negotiations between Salah and his agent Ramy Abbas, Jurgen Klopp identified Antony as a possible replacement.
At the time, Antony was plying his trade at Ajax and was considered one of Europe’s most promising young talents.
However, instead of moving to Anfield, the Brazilian joined Manchester United in 2022 for a staggering fee, reuniting with former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.
Antony’s move to Old Trafford has been underwhelming, to say the least.
The winger has managed just 17 goal involvements in 87 appearances and has struggled for consistency.
This season, he has made only five appearances, starting just once – a 7-0 win over Barnsley in the EFL Cup.
Antony has fallen behind the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and Amad Diallo in the pecking order for United’s wide positions.
Liverpool’s decision to avoid pursuing Antony reportedly stemmed from club president Mike Gordon, who was overseeing the club’s operations at the time.
His prudent approach saved the Reds from making what now appears to have been a risky investment.
As Liverpool prepare for the possibility of life without Salah, it is highly unlikely that Antony will reappear as an option under new manager Arne Slot should the Egyptian depart.
Replacing Salah, a bona fide legend at Anfield, will be a monumental task, but the Reds will be looking for a successor capable of continuing his legacy of brilliance.
Read more: Mohamed Salah could wear armband in Premier League for the first time against Southampton
Holland boss Ronald Koeman details exactly why Virgil van Dijk returned to Liverpool
Ruben Amorim set to “operate on a more modest budget” than Erik Ten Hag at Man United