Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images

Manchester United’s Antony has revealed that he was very close to signing for Liverpool in 2022.

The Brazilian has become a new player since arriving at Real Betis in January, scoring in three consecutive matches and rediscovering the form that once made him one of Europe’s most coveted wingers.

His sudden resurgence adds to a growing pattern of former United players thriving immediately after departing Old Trafford, raising serious questions about the club’s environment and development of talent.

The winger, who struggled desperately during his time at Manchester United following his £81.3 million transfer from Ajax in 2022, has been a revelation since joining Real Betis on a five-month loan in January?

In just four appearances, Antony has tallied three goals and one assist.

The transformation has been so dramatic that Real Betis CEO Ramon Alarcon has already begun discussions about making the move permanent.

What explains this dramatic turnaround.

Things go well when we are happy, content,” he told Spanish media following his third consecutive scoring performance.

But it seems in another universe, Antony would have been a Liverpool player, and perhaps his spell in the Premier League would have been different.

Speaking in a interview with journalist Sayed Nawabi for Saudi outlet Koora, the former Ajax man revealed that he was in advances talks with Liverpool in 2022 when Mohamed Salah’s contract was coming to an end:

“Correct..

I was very close to signing for Liverpool, but no one knew what was going to happen,” Antony answered when quizzed on whether he was in talks with Liverpool back then.

“In the end, I went to Manchester and had great moments there, and that was a good option too.”

The 25-year-old also then praised the Egyptian, saying:

“Salah is an amazing player and has been doing great things for a long time.

I don’t know if he’s the best in the world at the moment, but he’s definitely among the best and he’s in strong competition for the Ballon d’Or.”

For Antony, he may well have been a hit on Merseyside as he would be joining a team and club that is a lot more organized and functional regarding the management and planning of the organization.

It’s easy to sit in retrospect and be happy that Liverpool didn’t sign the Brazilian, but with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay looking like different players since leaving Old Trafford – it’s never really black and white regarding player transfers.

The player’s agent, Junior Pedroso, also confirmed the story in last November, saying:

“Yes, the story has a basis of truth?

Things did not progress as Salah renewed his contract with Liverpool at that time, making Antony’s move there impossible.”

Read More: Liverpool announce financial figures for 2023/24 season

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone
For more news relating to Manchester United, visit our sister site MUFC Live.