Premier League heavyweights Manchester United have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Ajax over a deal for Antony.
Manchester United have made an official statement to confirm that they have reached an agreement with Ajax over a deal for Antony. The Brazilian winger has become their fifth summer signing, with the Red Devils reportedly shelling out €100 million to secure his services.
Antony has come leaps and bounds since joining Ajax from Sao Paulo FC over two years ago. The 22-year-old filled the void left by the departure of Hakim Ziyech, establishing himself as a pivotal figure for the Dutch giants in a couple of seasons he spent in Amsterdam.
The Brazilian international turned out 84 times for Ajax, chipping in with 24 goals and 22 assists. But as the summer transfer window opened, Antony became unsettled at the Dutch club, especially with Erik ten Hag joining Manchester United. And with ten Hag keen on a summer reunion, things reached a tipping point in the last few days.
Antony had been pushing to join Manchester United for nearly two months. But after Ajax rejected offer after offer from the Red Devils, the Brazilian winger had no option but to go on strike and force a move to Old Trafford. That initially did not matter either, with Ajax turning down a bid by Manchester United last week.
Official and confirmed. Antony joins Manchester United on permanent deal for €95m guaranteed fee plus €5m in add-ons, as expected. ??? #MUFC
Contract until June 2027 with option until June 2028.
Here we go confirmed. pic.twitter.com/vfNGvu80GG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2022
Manchester United even considered walking away from a deal for Antony, but that stance lasted for a brief period. The Premier League heavyweights returned with an offer worth €100 million, which did the trick, with Ajax finally relenting and making a handsome profit on their outlay a couple of years ago.
The two clubs have now officiated the reported €100 million agreement, with Manchester United announcing that the deal will be formally completed once Antony receives clearance for his work permit and visa. Meanwhile, Ajax will reportedly look to bring Ziyech back to Amsterdam to replace the Manchester United-bound winger.
Antony is thus on the verge of officially becoming Manchester United’s fifth summer signing. And while many might question the €100 million outlay to sign the Brazilian international, Erik ten Hag will be delighted to have his top target at Old Trafford while potentially solving Manchester United’s long-standing right-wing woes.
