Man Utd's Antony transfer takes twist as Ajax boss claims winger will stay
Suraj Radia
- 25 Aug 2022 19:31 BST
- 3 min read
Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder has said he expects Antony to remain at the club despite the winger training away from the first team, amid transfer links to Manchester United.
The Brazilian is desperate to join United before the transfer window closes next week and reports have suggested he has formally asked Ajax to sanction his dream move.
United have had two bids of €60 million and €80m turned down already for Antony but they are expected to return with a third closer to €100m to test Ajax's resolve.
Schreuder reiterated his confidence throughout his press conference, saying: "Antony is not training with the group, but I do see him every day. Nothing has changed since last Sunday. I accept it at this moment.
"We don't have a deadline. But I am assuming Antony will stay at Ajax. I can't do anything with what he personally wants. I understand that he really wants to, but he has a contract and I think Ajax is also quite a nice club.
"€80M is a lot of money, €100M is also a lot of money. But I explained that we already sold a lot of players so it wouldn't be good if we sold another one.
"I certainly understand that it is a difficult situation for him. Whether he will be there on Sunday? We will see how that develops on Friday and Saturday."
Reporters also suggested to Schreuder that, if a player wants to leave a club, very often he will depart, to which the manager replied: "No. Not with me."
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'We are playing Champions League football. I don't think United are.'
Schreuder had already spoken about the future of Antony after he missed Ajax's 1-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam, insisting he was expecting the player not to be sold due to the amount of first teamers the club have already lost this summer.
"I want Antony to stay," Schreuder said. "I am assuming that the club will not sell him. The money that is being thrown around these days is crazy. But I would not find it okay if we sell another player.
• Antony would be crazy to swap this Champions League group for the Europa League, right?
Schreuder: "Absolutely." pic.twitter.com/dqLjMM8G0P— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) August 25, 2022
"We are in a powerful position, financially. Yes, my feeling is good. I understand Antony. But you play for Ajax.
"We are playing Champions League football. I don't think Manchester United are playing Champions League football."
