Could Man Utd make Antony the next €100m footballer?
FT Desk
- 21 Aug 2022 12:00 CDT
- 3 min read
Manchester United may have to make Antony the latest member of the €100 million footballers club in order to convince Ajax to sell.
Antony has blossomed at Ajax since arriving from Sao Paulo in February 2020, and enjoyed a breakout season in the Netherlands last term.
The Brazil winger hit 12 goals in 33 games in all competitions to announce himself as the Eredivisie side's latest gem and catch the attention of Europe's football giants.
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Erik ten Hag knows all about Antony's prowess after helping him reach his potential at Ajax. The new United boss has been linked with his former charge throughout the summer, though no agreement has yet been struck.
In order to make the breakthrough, the Red Devils are likely to pay dearly.
Ajax are refusing to compromise on their elevated asking price of €100m and expect United to match that valuation if they are to have any chance of signing him this summer.
The player himself indicated his willingness to stay, while admitting that he could not rule out the possibility of moving to Old Trafford.
“What I can say is that I want to come to the right decision with my family, business partners and Ajax, which is good for everyone," he told De Telegraaf.
"In the end, God determines my future.”
Antony would be the 15th €100m footballer should he sign for United, following in the footsteps of stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
Darwin Nunez became the latest member of the club when he joined Liverpool from Benfica at the start of the summer window.
Antony missing for Sparta clash
Further fuel was added to speculation when Antony sat out Sunday's Eredivisie clash against Sparta.
Speaking after the game, though, coach Alfred Schreuder expressed his confidence that the Brazil star would stay put.
"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," he told ESPN.
"I want Antony to stay. 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. We are in a powerful position, financially."
