Premier League giants Manchester United have reportedly been told to pay £70 million for Ajax attacker Antony.
According to a report in the Mirror, Manchester United have been made aware of Ajax’s asking price for winger Antony. The Brazilian is on the Red Devils’ radar, with manager Erik ten Hag said to be keen on a reunion. But the Premier League club will have to part with £70 million to secure the Brazilian international’s signature.
Manchester United have been among the clubs interested in Antony ever since it was announced that ten Hag would take over the managerial reigns at the club. The Dutch tactician is said to be eager to get Antony on board this summer, but Ajax’s £70 million valuation could hamper United’s plans.
The Red Devils are close to completing a deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, with a transfer fee of £55 million plus £13 million in add-ons being quoted. That would leave Manchester United in no position to sign another player for a similar transfer fee.
Antony has been with Ajax since 2020 and has made 78 appearances for them across all competitions, scoring 22 times and assisting 20 goals. The Brazilian right-winger was quite impressive in the recently-concluded season, which was ten Hag’s last with Ajax, and scored 12 and assisted 10 goals for the Amsterdam club.
However, the Brazilian international is not the only player the former Ajax manager has set his sights on. Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez is reportedly on Manchester United’s agenda as well, but they are currently in a race with Arsenal for the Argentine international’s signature.
Jurrien Timber was also on Manchester United’s wishlist, but he was convinced out of an Old Trafford move by the Netherlands head coach Louis van Gaal. With the 2022 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, Timber does not want his game-time affected, which could be a possibility if he joins Manchester United.
The Red Devils are yet to complete a signing this summer, and fans are growing impatient with every passing day. Frenkie de Jong seems to be the likeliest first signing of the ten Hag era. Antony is also said to be pushing for a move to Old Trafford. But paying £70 million to sign the Brazilian international might be out of the question.
