Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Ajax star man Antony’s representatives are pushing for a deal to move the player to Manchester United despite no official bid submitted by the Premier League club.
The Red Devils are looking to bolster their attacking options next season after a horrendous 21/22 campaign which saw only Cristiano Ronaldo hit over the 15-goal mark last season with Ajax starlet Antony, who shone under new manager Erik ten Hag last season.
It has now been suggested by Romano that the Premier League club has not submitted a formal bid yet but the agent of Antony wants the move and is pushing for the club to listen to offers from United when the time comes.
He said, “There is still no official bid from Manchester United because they know that submitting a proposal for 40 million euros makes no sense. Ajax wants 80 million then maybe they can negotiate on the structure of the deal, the add-ons. But for 40 million euros Manchester United know it makes no sense to a proposal, so they are discussing, they are considering the possibility, Erik ten Hag is a big fan.
“But at the moment what I am told Ajax want this big fee and also Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder said a few hours ago that they have this idea of keeping the player at the club. I am told the agents of Antony are pushing with Ajax because they want Ajax to listen to the proposals.
“So let’s see what happens but for Manchester United, Antony is a target… so not just Frenkie De Jong, but Antony is one to watch.”
TIF Thoughts on Antony to United…
There is no surprise Manchester United is looking to bring in Antony after the player impressed under former manager and now United boss Ten Hag last season. In 32 appearances for the club, he bagged 12 goals and 10 assists while averaging 3.4 shots, 1.6 key passes, 1.8 dribbles, 1.1 crosses, and one long ball with 82.3% passing accuracy.
According to Fbref, the Brazilian ranked in the 99th percentile for progressive passes received, total shots, and assists as well as the 98th for progressive carries and interceptions compared to other attacking midfielders/wingers across Europe’s top five leagues.
Romano suggests that Ajax could be looking for as much as €80m, which means United are going to have to spend over their rumoured £120m budget if they want to bring the winger and Barcelona star Frenkie De Jong. While neither deals look to be completed anytime soon, bringing in a player with Antony’s stats would improve their attacking output next season.
Will United sign Antony?YesNo |