Man Utd scout £43m ex-Real Madrid wonderkid to replace Antony in swap deal

20 December 2023 , 19:56

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Man Utd scout £43m ex-Real Madrid wonderkid to replace Antony in swap deal

Manchester United are weighing up a move for former Real Madrid wonderkid Takefusa Kubo as they consider replacements for the underperforming Antony, according to reports.

The Japanese international, who has been at Barcelona's academy and then Real Madrid, left the Bernabeu last season to sign for Real Sociedad. At the Spanish side, he's gone from strength to strength and United have sent scouts to watch him at least seven times this season.

Antony has greatly underwhelmed since his mega-money move from Ajax last season and Erik ten Hag may have to cut his losses. Sociedad have been able to get the best from Kubo, who has scored 15 times and provided 13 assists in 67 games since his £5.5million move.

The 22-year-old never featured for Los Blancos and was serially loaned out, but now has United interested. Sociedad, who are into the knockout stages of the Champions League, turned down a £26m offer from Napoli in the summer with the player under contract until 2027.

It is reported by The Sun that the Spanish side would accept a fee in the region of £43m for the winger, who can also play in other attacking roles. There is still the possibility of United allowing Antony to go the other way, albeit on loan, to sweeten any offer.

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The Manchester outfit will continue to monitor Kubo with scouts present to watch Sociedad's goalless draw with Real Betis on Sunday where the Japanese star was named Player of the Match. United are unlikely to make any January moves as they remain wary of Financial Fair Play punishments.

Takefusa Kubo is a target for Man United

As a result, any swoop may have to wait until the summer with several of United's wide forwards facing uncertain futures. Anthony Martial is another man whose days appear numbered whilst Jadon Sancho looks to have no future at Old Trafford whilst Ten Hag is in charge.

Barcelona boss Xavi said earlier this season: “Takefusa Kubo is a world-class player. Not only when playing with the ball, but also when he doesn’t have the ball, he can do his best.” The player said of his development: "This year I want to be important, just like last year but I also want to appear in those moments that the team has the need."

Samuel Meade