Manchester United are looking to bolster their frontline in the final stretch of this summer’s transfer window and Ajax winger Antony has been earmarked as one of Erik ten Hag’s targets.
United are light in wide areas and Ten Hag knows Antony well from their time together at Ajax. The Dutchman brought Antony to Europe and helped develop him into one of Europe’s most sought-after attackers.
It looked like Ajax were going to price Antony out of a move but the landscape changed earlier this week when the 22-year-old missed training on Friday after an opening bid from United was rebuffed by the Amsterdam side.
According to United insider Jonathan Shrager, that strike from Ajax training has now been extended for a second day. As per Shrager, Antony refused to take part in a behind-closed-doors training session on Saturday.
There was a behind closed doors training session at Ajax today, and Antony refused to take part. The club are willing to sell the player to Manchester United for €100m
— Jonas Hen Shrag (@JonathanShrager) August 20, 2022
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Furthermore, it’s claimed that Ajax are now willing to part ways with their star player but only if United meet their asking price of €100m, which would be their record sale.
According to The Athletic, United’s opening offer for Antony is believed to have been a package worth €80m – it remains to be seen whether the Reds raise that bid.
Earlier on Saturday, leading transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that signing Antony is United’s priority after landing Casemiro from Real Madrid.
SN’s verdict…
Enough has been said on the impact Antony would have on United – clearly, he’s a play Ten Hag wants and United are right to explore a move. The asking price is, however, outrageous.
It has been suggested that Ten Hag has been granted a near unlimited budget for the remainder of the season and that could mean that United choose to fill the €20m gap in valuation.
But there are major long-term implications for paying a nine-figure sum for a player like Antony. Ultimately, potential selling sides will be watching with a keen eye ahead of future transfer windows.
It’s good for man utd to endure the cost to sign Antony to build there squad
And if they could be away of me talking to Erik ten Hag, why did ark RB Libzig striker J. Ankunku? Is also a good player indeed.
There are best strikers in each league but Antony is really a nice player.
He can dribble, score and is a clinical striker in every chance he gets.