Man Utd could have had Antony for fraction of his €99m transfer fee

FT Desk

3 Sept 2022 10:01 BST
3 min read

Manchester United completed the signing of Ajax winger Antony on transfer deadline day for a cool €99 million, but they could have signed him for a fraction of the price.

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Antony became United's second biggest transfer ever, following the €110m they paid Juventus for Paul Pogba in 2016, after refusing to play for Ajax for the final few weeks of the summer window.

A Dutch domestic double winner under United manager Erik ten Hag in 2021, Antony had 12 goals and 10 assists in 33 games last season, but there is pressure for him to perform to at least those levels at Old Trafford after his bumper fee.

What Man Utd fans expect Antony to do every game:pic.twitter.com/NQyJUeVdIm
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) August 31, 2022

With United pursuing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong hardest for much if the window, Antony's asking price simply grew and grew towards deadline day, driving Antony's price up yet further.

'15m two seasons ago'

"United could have got him cheaper at the start of this transfer window, but they had their mind and focus on other targets," said Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol. "By the time they came back in for him properly, less time was remaining. Ajax's directors have rightly raised the price and pointed to the time being against them.

"Two seasons ago, he was offered out for £15m (€17.3m) to both United and Chelsea. It was understood both teams turned down this option. United passed up on it, and Chelsea did likewise despite the former transfer chief Marina Granovskaia being keen to bring in the player for that price."

A Brazil international who has turned out nine times for his country, Antony has had to wait on his work permit and wasn't registered in time to make his debut against Leicester at their King Power Stadium on Thursday.

The 22-year-old has taken part in first-team training, though, and is expected to feature when Arsenal visit Old Trafford on Sunday. If not, Real Socieded in the Europa League beckon on Thursday.