Premier League giants Manchester United have reportedly ruled out a possible move for 22-year-old Brazilian international Antony.
According to The Athletic, Manchester United have pulled out of their pursuit of Ajax winger Antony due to the Dutch club’s exorbitant demands. The Eredivisie champions are demanding €100 million for the 22-year-old Brazilian international, which is more than the Red Devils’ valuation.
Manchester United saw the likes of Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard depart from their attacking unit this summer and are eager to add reinforcements in the department. They are also running the risk of losing Cristiano Ronaldo, who is trying to force a move away from Old Trafford in search of UEFA Champions League football.
Irrespective of the 37-year-old’s potential departure, Manchester United need to sign a new attacker and had identified Ajax’s Antony as a possible signing. But Ajax’s valuation has set them off, and they have now turned their attention towards other targets.
The Red Devils have already signed Lisandro Martinez, who was their Player of the Year for the 2021/22 campaign, from the Dutch club this summer. Ajax are not willing to part ways with another one of their top players, especially as the club now begin life under a new manager with ten Hag’s departure to Manchester United. They have thus slapped an exorbitant price tag on Antony.
Barcelona’s Memphis Depay was linked with a return to Old Trafford after it was made clear that he had been deemed surplus to requirements at Camp Nou. However, Manchester United have not made an official approach to re-sign their former player and are also currently negotiating a move for Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Red Bull Salzburg’s 19-year-old striker Benjamin Sesko has emerged as a target now, and the Red Devils have reportedly made an enquiry. Manchester United have held discussions about a possible summer move for the youngster but the Austrian club aren’t willing to sell.
Sesko has been likened to former Red Bull Salzburg forward Erling Haaland, who has moved to Manchester City this summer. With both Manchester City and Liverpool signing top-class strikers this summer, United might decide to make a more serious approach for the teenage sensation. As for Antony, the 22-year-old Brazilian international seems set to remain at Ajax beyond the summer.