In 2022, Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, entertained the idea of replacing Mohamed Salah with Antony, the Brazilian winger who had been performing well at Ajax. This consideration came during a period when Salah was approaching the final year of his contract with the Reds, leading to speculation about his future at Anfield. At the time, Antony was making a high-profile move to Manchester United for a significant transfer fee, and Klopp was reportedly eyeing him as a potential successor to the Egyptian star.
However, Klopp’s idea of bringing in Antony was ultimately sidelined as Salah stayed at Liverpool after signing a new long-term contract. Meanwhile, Antony’s move to Manchester United didn’t go as smoothly as expected. Since arriving at Old Trafford, the Brazilian winger has struggled to replicate the form that made him so sought-after during his time at Ajax. His inconsistency on the pitch, coupled with the hefty price tag United paid for him, led many to question the wisdom of the transfer. Despite flashes of potential, Antony has yet to fully live up to the expectations placed on him at Manchester United, leaving Klopp’s decision to stick with Salah looking like the better choice in hindsight.
Salah, who has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers since his arrival in 2017, continued to be an integral part of Liverpool’s attack, proving his worth even further with a renewed contract that solidified his future at the club. In contrast, Antony’s struggles at Manchester United have only amplified questions about whether the move was truly the right decision for both the player and the club. With Klopp having opted to maintain his faith in Salah, it seems the Egyptian’s value to Liverpool remains undeniable, while Antony’s time at United has been marked by growing scrutiny.
