Manchester United are closing in on the capture of Ajax starlet Antony in a deal worth £40 million.
According to The Sun, Manchester United are on the verge of securing the first signing of the new season, in the form of Antony. The club officials are set to land in Amsterdam today to finalise a deal for the Ajax attacker, who is determined to reunite with coach Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United are expected to fork out a fee of £40 million for Antony, who is poised to become the first signing under ten Hag. The Brazilian is set to become one of many new faces at Old Trafford this summer as new transfer chief John Murtough looks to oversee a major rebuild following yet another disappointing campaign.
Especially in the attacking unit, Manchester United are in need of reinforcements amid the exit of a host of players in the final third. Jesse Lingard, for one, is set to see out his contract at Old Trafford and has been linked with a move to West Ham United, among many other clubs across Europe.
Juan Mata will also follow Lingard towards the exit door as well, while Anthony Martial is also expected to be sold this summer, thus accentuating the need for someone like Antony.
A right-winger by trade, the young Brazilian has enjoyed immense success since his move to Ajax in the summer of 2020. During his two years at the club, he has racked up 22 goals and 20 assists, with 22 of his goal involvements coming in the recently concluded 2021/22 campaign.
Tottenham were linked with a move for Antony, with the Lilywhites reportedly offering Steven Bergwijn in a swap deal. But it appears Manchester United have prevailed in the race, much thanks to the player’s excellent relationship with ten Hag. The Red Devils’ officials are set to arrive in Amsterdam to finalise the move, which could cost the club around £40 million.
From a sporting perspective, Antony should serve as the direct replacement for Mata and Mason Greenwood in the right-wing slot, where the Brazilian international could potentially compete with Anthony Elanga. His trickery on the flanks could go a long way in making the United attack more unpredictable in the final third, especially with Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes offering additional support.
The creative trifecta of Fernandes, Sancho and Antony could offer excellent creative support for Cristiano Ronaldo in the attacking third as Manchester United look to challenge for top honours after a disheartening 2021/22 campaign.
