Manchester United are reportedly plotting a last attempt to sign Antony, with Ajax continuing to play hardball over the Brazilian winger’s price tag.
According to Goal, Manchester United are not giving up on their pursuit of Ajax winger Antony and are willing to increase their opening bid of over €60 million in their last attempt to sign to reunite him with Erik ten Hag. But the Red Devils’ proposal will likely not reach the €80 million the Dutch champions seek to part ways with the tricky Brazilian attacker.
In what is proving to be one of this summer transfer window’s most long-drawn transfer sagas, Manchester United have been frustrated by Ajax’s stance of holding out for a big fee for their prized asset. The 22-year-old is keen on moving to Old Trafford and is pushing the Dutch giants to reconsider Manchester United’s proposal.
The Red Devils remain on the hunt for a versatile addition to their frontline. Whether or not Cristiano Ronaldo remains at Old Trafford is unlikely to have an impact on their efforts to acquire a new attacker. Ajax winger Antony remains high on Manchester United’s transfer shortlist, with Erik ten Hag familiar with the Brazilian. But Ajax will not consider a sale for another star unless their astronomical valuation is met.
The 22-year-old netted 12 goals and registered ten assists in 32 appearances across all competitions last term, including eight goals and four assists in 23 Eredivisie games. Antony was also spectacular in the UEFA Champions League, scoring twice and assisting four times in seven outings as the Dutch giants got to the Round of 16, where they were eliminated by Portuguese outfit Benfica.
At 22, his prime years lay ahead, and he still has loads of untapped potential in him. Even if things did not work out, Antony would retain a high sell-on value given his age if Manchester United sign him for a reasonable fee. Furthermore, being a left-footed forward and thanks to his directness and pace, he is likely to offer a new dimension to ten Hag’s fluid frontline, which currently lacks a left-footer.
The Dutch giants have slapped an €80 million price tag on the 22-year-old and remain adamant that they will not soften their position on a possible sale, having already lost several key players this summer. After offloading Lisandro Martinez, Sebastien Haller, Ryan Gravenberch, and Noussair Mazraoui, the Ajax hierarchy is determined that no additional high-profile sales will take place this summer.
However, Antony still has more than three years left on his current deal and has outlined his desire to test himself on English shores. The player’s stance might compel Ajax to work out a deal eventually. But even then, they are refusing to bow down on their asking price due to the player’s former club Sao Paulo’s substantial share in a potential sale. Whether Manchester United’s last-ditch attempt could finally crack the code remains to be seen.
