Man Utd offered Antony–Douglas Luiz swap before Juventus pulled plug

Manchester United were reportedly offered a sensational swap deal involving winger Antony and Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz — before talks suddenly collapsed. The Red Devils are weighing up Antony’s future after his career-reviving loan spell at Real Betis, and a potential return to Italy for Luiz could have suited both clubs. But a major change behind the scenes at Juventus has left the deal in limbo.

After a difficult 18 months at Old Trafford, Antony rediscovered form and confidence on loan at Real Betis. The Brazilian winger contributed decisively for the La Liga side and has drawn interest from across Europe — particularly in Italy, Spain and Germany.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are still open to selling the £85m signing from Ajax as they reshape their squad for 2025/26. A deal involving a player of similar profile and value was seen as a potential win-win solution.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Juventus’ now-departed director of football Cristiano Giuntoli initiated discussions over a player exchange. The proposal would have seen Antony head to Turin while Douglas Luiz returned to the Premier League with United.

One option reportedly involved a double loan with obligations to buy in 2026 — a creative structure aimed at working within Financial Fair Play restrictions. But those talks have since been shelved, as Juventus undergo a complete recruitment overhaul following Giuntoli’s departure.

The former Aston Villa star has been regularly linked with a move back to England — and United have long admired the 26-year-old’s mix of dynamism, vision and physicality. If Juventus no longer wish to explore the Antony deal, United could still pursue Luiz separately.

Antony’s camp is aware of interest from other top-tier sides in La Liga, Bundesliga and Serie A. But United are understood to favour a permanent sale over another loan and want to recoup a significant portion of his original fee.

With his resurgence in Spain and Euro-based suitors monitoring closely, a departure this summer looks increasingly likely — swap deal or not.

Manchester United remain open to creative deals as they reshape their squad under new leadership. Whether Juventus reignite their interest — or Antony moves elsewhere in Europe — could define one of United’s headline summer exits.

Would you have accepted the Antony–Luiz swap?