Reports: Manchester United Get Their Man in Antony
Manchester United are inching closer to completing the signing of AFC Ajax winger Antony. The fee is expected to be a whopping €100m including add-ons, as reported by The Athletic.
The 22-year-old was Erik Ten Hag’s top transfer target, and it finally appears there will be an agreement after initial resistance from the Dutch powerhouse.
Antony had agreed personal terms a few weeks back, but his club was proving to be a stumbling block in his dream move. The Red Devils had a €90m bid rejected by Ajax previously, as the latter made it very clear their player was not for sale.
United have since tested their resolve, eventually agreeing on what looks like the club’s second most expensive purchase after Paul Pogba.
Meanwhile, Ajax have already begun looking for alternatives, with Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech one of the options. The Eredivisie champions have not quite met the Blues’ valuation, implying that the move is quite complicated.
Antony, one of the finest young dribblers in Europe, is a product of the Sao Paulo academy. He represents what Brazilian football is all about, flair, expression, and innovation. The youngster impressed with 12 goals and 10 assists last season across 33 appearances.
He has already set the field on fire this term, notching a goal and adding a couple of assists in the opening fixtures. Much to the delight of Manchester United’s camp, he did not make Alfred Schreuder’s match day squad against Utrecht.
In an exclusive with Fabrizio Romano, Antony openly expressed his desire, along with frustration, over recent developments.
In it he remarked “In June of this year, I interrupted my vacation and came personally to inform the managers of Ajax, including new coach, about my wish to leave and that they should consider this possibility, because it was a project for 2 seasons. During the window months, meetings continued, and I also received a proposal from Ajax for contract renewal. I made it clear once again: I want to leave!”
With due respect to his current side, Antony mentioned Ajax will always be near and dear to him adding “I’m not asking Ajax to release me; I’m asking Ajax to sell me with the highest bid ever for Eredivisie player. I’ve been insisting on this theme since February so that the club could rebuild the team with peace of mind.”
Manchester United have already signed Ajax’s Rinus Michels award winner Lisandro Martinez. Following a dodgy start to the campaign, they have bounced back in some fashion, collecting wins against Liverpool and Southampton.
Antony’s arrival would bolster the right-hand side for Manchester United. Antony is currently in England undergoing his medicals with an official announcement expected shortly.
-Akarshak Roy
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak