Antony transfer to Man Utd: What is the latest?

Karan Tejwani

18 Aug 2022 14:22 BST
3 min read

Manchester United are interested in the signing of Antony from Ajax, and this is a deal that has been on and off all summer, but things could now change in the final weeks of the window.

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Antony emerged as Erik ten Hag’s top targets at the start of the window for the right-wing position, but Ajax’s firm stance meant that Manchester United had to back off and focus elsewhere.

United reportedly made a bid of around €60 million for the 22-year-old in July, but that was rejected as Ajax wanted upwards of €80 million, and add-ons that could’ve taken the entire package up to €100 million.

Antony is one of Ajax’s best talents, and despite a seemingly low return on goals and assists last season, he’s still valued that highly due to the threat he brings down the right side and high level of individual quality.

Man Utd could make last-ditch effort for Antony

It’s reported in both the Netherlands and England that Manchester United will present a bid close to Ajax’s valuation of the player in the coming weeks as the club look to bring Antony to Old Trafford in the final weeks of the window.

For much of the summer, Antony has been open to the idea of reuniting with Ten Hag at Old Trafford, having worked so well with him in Amsterdam since signing for Ajax in 2020.

He even hinted at a stay after a starring display against Groningen at the weekend: “Will Ten Hag call me? No idea. He has to discuss this with my agents, I’m focused on here. What will come will come, we’ll see.”

The winger added to it, saying he was comfortable in Amsterdam: “I feel good at Ajax. I give everything for this club, every minute. So I am loving this city and this club.”

De magie van Antony 🪄🤩#ajagro pic.twitter.com/RW5XKgEJ8A
— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) August 15, 2022

Ajax are bracing to receive another bid in the coming days and it’ll be one to consider, as they could receive an irrefutable offer – similar to the one they got for Lisandro Martinez.

The club are, however, preparing an improved contract for Antony, according to Dutch reports, in the hope of keeping him in Alfred Schreuder’s squad for the upcoming season.

Having already seen such a high turnover of players this summer, they wouldn’t want to find another replacement late in the window – especially for such an important, effective player like Antony.

Whether Antony stays or goes this late in the window will be one of the interesting points of the final days of what has already been a busy transfer window for Manchester United.