Man Utd ahead of Barca - Ranking the contenders to sign Antony

Robin Bairner

30 Mar 2022 15:27 BST
3 min read

Ajax winger Antony has emerged as one of the hot talking points of football transfer news before the summer, with numerous big clubs all vying for his signature.

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The Brazilian, who is a box of tricks in terms of his style, has shone in the Champions League and appears ripe for a move.

Aged 22 and valued at a relatively paltry €34 million, Manchester United and Real Madrid are among the teams thought to be keeping a close eye on him before the summer transfer window opens.

But where is he likely to wind up?

4. PSG

Antony would not be a star in the making if he were not being linked with Paris Saint-Germain, with reports from Le 10 Sport indicating that they are interested in a deal.

Certainly, PSG are likely to have an offensive overhaul in the summer, and with Angel Di Maria destined to leave, a left-footed player for the right wing spot is liable to be on their shopping list. However, it appears that they will have other targets in mind, particularly as they already have a certain Lionel Messi capable of occupying that role.

3. Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich have a long-standing link with Antony, and the 22-year-old Brazilian is the type of player who has thrilled in the past at the Allianz Arena. With Serge Gnabry apparently showing some signs of discontent, FCB may take the opportunity to use the South American to bolster their ranks, and with modest pay demands, he certainly is not out of their range.

2. Barcelona

Dani Alves could be key to taking Antony to Camp Nou. Indeed, the veteran right-back has already played with the attacker at Sao Paulo and is apparently pressing the club’s leadership to consider a bid.

Problematic here is Barca’s financial situation. They will have to pick and choose their summer targets carefully, and the bidding on Antony is likely to get competitive. In any war of this sort, it is difficult to see the Camp Nou side coming out on top. If they do go for him, they will effectively be going all in.

Look for them to pursue other targets, such as Robert Lewandowski.

1. Man Utd

Manchester United are clear frontrunners in this race thus far. Erik ten Hag reportedly wants to bring the attacker from Ajax with him, and this familiarity would certainly be attractive for the young forward.

He also occupies a position in which Man Utd have struggled all season.

Antony boasts the type of thrilling profile that the club have always favoured, so for now the cards are in favour of a transfer from Ajax to Manchester United.