Manchester United have reportedly decided whether Antony has a future at Old Trafford.
Ever since making the £84m switch to Old Trafford in 2022, the winger has struggled to make any kind of sustained impact.
Just 12 goals and five assists have come from 87 appearances in all competitions, Antony now earning more game time in cup competitions than in the Premier League.
Antony featured on just two occasions in the top flight during 2024-25 before Erik ten Hag was removed from his position in the dugout on Monday morning.
That is particularly telling given that the Dutchman - who knew Antony from Ajax - was initially a big supporter of the Brazil international's qualities.
With Ten Hag no longer in charge, it leaves the 24-year-old somewhat in limbo as to whether he will feature in the plans of a successor.
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INEOS make Antony decision
According to talkSPORT, Antony has already been informed by club officials that he will be made available for transfer in January.
Once that point comes around, the playmaker will be halfway through his five-year contract at the Theatre of Dreams and there is no prospect of a renewal.
United's focus is said to be getting Antony off the wage bill, acknowledging that they have little option but to take a substantial financial hit if they are to do so.
Former club Ajax and Brazilian giants Flamengo are allegedly monitoring the situation with it unclear whether the former Sao Paulo starlet will play under Ruben Amorim, providing that he leaves Sporting Lisbon for the North West of England.
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Why Antony's role could become further limited
United are traditionally a club that operates with a back four, yet that could soon change if Amorim is handed the reins.
His success at Estadio Jose Alvalade has come courtesy of using a back three, either as a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation.
Taking away an attacking player in the final third will push Antony down the pecking order unless Amorim takes a liking to him.
Much may depend on whether the Portuguese feels that he has the players to use the same strategy that he has deployed at Sporting.
Darren Plant
