Antony is reportedly in talks to join Barcelona, leaving Real Madrid, Liverpool and other suitors with an uphill task to sign him in the summer.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Antony has opened discussions with Barcelona over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The Brazilian forward, valued at around €35 million by Ajax, is also a target for Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Juventus.
Antony joined Ajax from Sao Paulo in July 2020, with the Eredivisie heavyweights signing him as a long-term successor for Hakim Ziyech. The 21-year-old has done just that as he has established himself as a pivotal figure for the Dutch giants after a solid debut campaign.
The player has garnered eight goals and five assists in 19 appearances across all competitions for Ajax this term. Antony broke into the Brazilian national side last year while also popping up on the radar of some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Some of his prospective suitors are Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool.
The Catalan giants have already made one offensive reinforcement in Ferran Torres. But Memphis Depay’s inconsistencies, coupled with Ousmane Dembele’s uncertain future, is prompting them to dip their toes in the market in the summer. Antony has thus emerged as a viable target for Barcelona, who have already submitted an enquiry for him.
On the other hand, Real Madrid’s interest in the 21-year-old could be stemming from the uncertainties surrounding the futures of Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio and Eden Hazard. With Bale destined to leave Real Madrid as a free agent in the summer, Antony could be a possible long-term replacement for the Welshman.
Antony is also on Liverpool’s radar, with the Reds currently in a precarious situation over the futures of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. The two wide-attacking stalwarts have entered the final 18 months of their respective deals and will turn 30 this year. And Antony could potentially succeed either Salah or Mane in the years to come.
In addition to Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Juventus are also keen on signing Antony, valued at around €35 million by Ajax. But the Catalan giants have stepped up their efforts to prise the Brazilian away from Ajax, opening talks with him over a possible summer move.
Barcelona might not be opposed to spending €35 million for Antony either, and their focused pursuit of the 21-year-old has left Real Madrid, Liverpool and others with an uphill task in the race to sign him.
