Newcastle have just been offered a chance to sign £82N Man United player in a shock deal this month

Only 11 players have represented both Newcastle United and Manchester United in the Premier League era, with notable names like Andy Cole and Nicky Butt standing out as the most successful.

While some have enjoyed fruitful spells at both clubs, others, like Giuseppe Rossi, failed to make a lasting impression. Most recently, Martin Dubravka became the latest to play for both teams, spending a brief loan stint at Old Trafford during the 2022/23 season.

Now, Newcastle United could add another name to this exclusive list in the January transfer window.

Reports suggest Manchester United winger Antony has been offered to Newcastle as part of his potential departure from Old Trafford. The Brazilian, signed by United from Ajax for a staggering £82 million in the summer of 2022, arrived with high expectations.

Having excelled under Erik ten Hag in the Netherlands, Antony seemed poised for success in England. His Premier League debut was promising, marked by a goal against Arsenal, followed by strikes in consecutive games against Manchester City and Everton. At the time, his transfer appeared to be a masterstroke.

However, Antony’s form has drastically declined, and many now regard him as one of Manchester United’s most disappointing signings. His struggles to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, coupled with inconsistent performances, have overshadowed the initial promise he showed.

Reports from CaughtOffside reveal Manchester United’s readiness to offload Antony, offering him to clubs including Newcastle United, Ajax, Juventus, Benfica, and Real Betis. The latter has even tabled a loan offer, albeit contingent on United subsidizing a portion of his wages.

The question now arises: Should Newcastle seriously consider signing Antony? Despite the winger’s pedigree and early potential, the answer appears to lean heavily towards no.

While Newcastle could benefit from additional attacking options in the January window, Antony’s struggles at Manchester United raise significant concerns about his ability to thrive in the Premier League. His record over the past two-and-a-half seasons has been underwhelming, failing to justify his hefty price tag or deliver consistent performances.

A closer comparison with Newcastle’s existing options, such as Miguel Almirón, further diminishes the appeal of pursuing Antony. Almirón, though not flawless, has proven himself to be a reliable contributor for Newcastle, often stepping up in key moments.

Swapping a known quantity like Almirón for an unproven and inconsistent performer like Antony seems unwise, especially during a critical stage of the season when stability is paramount.

Antony’s underperformance could stem from various factors, including the pressure of his transfer fee, the physical demands of English football, or tactical misalignment.

Whatever the cause, Newcastle would be taking a significant gamble by bringing him into their squad. Even on a loan basis, the deal’s financial implications, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding his form, make it a risky proposition.

Manchester United’s willingness to offload Antony highlights their acknowledgment of a costly misstep. The Brazilian’s failure to meet expectations not only reflects poorly on his individual contributions but also underscores broader issues within United’s recruitment strategy.

For Newcastle, who have worked diligently to build a cohesive and competitive squad, adding a player with Antony’s track record could disrupt team dynamics and derail their progress.

While Newcastle’s need for reinforcements is evident, especially in attack, they would be better served exploring alternatives. The January transfer window presents an opportunity to identify players who align with the club’s ethos and possess the hunger to succeed.

Targeting younger, less established talents or proven Premier League performers could yield greater long-term benefits than pursuing a marquee name struggling to find his footing.

Ultimately, Newcastle’s decision on Antony will depend on their broader transfer strategy and willingness to take calculated risks. However, the evidence suggests that passing on the Brazilian would be the wiser choice.

The club’s recent resurgence has been built on smart acquisitions, team cohesion, and a clear vision for the future. Deviating from this approach by signing Antony could jeopardize that progress.

Antony’s availability signals a career at a crossroads. For Newcastle, it represents an offer they are better off declining. Maintaining focus on consistent performers like Almirón and identifying more suitable targets will likely prove more beneficial as they aim to solidify their position among the Premier League’s elite.

For now, Antony’s struggles at Manchester United should serve as a cautionary tale rather than a recruitment opportunity for Newcastle.