According to reports, Man United has made an offer of €60 million (£51 million) for Ajax’s Antony. Although the sum is still much below what the Dutch team is seeking for Antony this summer.
Last season, Antony was in excellent form for Ajax, recording 12 goals and 10 assists in 33 games across all leagues. It also included eight goals and four assists in their Eredivisie title-winning campaign.
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Man United, is thought to be anxious to reunite with the Brazilian international. As Antony played 78 times for his Dutch team since moving from Sao Paulo in July 2020, adding 22 goals and 20 assists under Erik’s guidance.
Thus, he will be eager to work with him again but Ajax is holding out for a sum of €80 million (£68 million) because of his significance to the team.
According to the report, Antony’s agents are pressuring the Dutch champions to accept a cheaper price since the player is eager to join Manchester United.
New Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder recently told ESPN
“It is clear that we want to keep that boy. I think he still has a contract until 2025.”
He further added saying
“I really want to work with him; he knows that, and the club knows that too,”
“He is still recovering from his injury. But I think the next few weeks are important. For his injury, we hope it improves quickly. I assume that he will be fit at the end of the preparation,”
Schreuder said when asked for an update on his fitness.
“I want to thank you for everything you taught me. Know that I will always stand with you if you need me,”
Antony posted on social media when Ten Hag left to take the Red Devils job.
Man United have started making bids to bring in Antony
Moreover, the attacker’s ankle issue, which has prevented him from playing since March, makes any move at this point challenging. Since the end of the previous season, a number of other clubs, including Bayern Munich, have been credited with an interest in the South American. But he is thought to only be interested in reuniting with Ten Hag in Manchester.
According to a recent source, a deal for the Argentina international Lisandro Martinez is almost complete, and Man United are reportedly in talks with Ajax over the player.
Tuesday saw the arrival of the club’s first summer acquisition, Tyrell Malacia, while Christian Eriksen is anticipated to join on a free transfer soon—possibly by the end of the week.
However, a deal for Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona has stalled, and Man United must also deal with rumours that Cristiano Ronaldo has asked to leave Old Trafford.
Ronaldo reportedly told his agency, Jorge Mendes, to try to negotiate a move away from the Red Devils, and Ten Hag is thought to consider Antony as the best substitute for the Brazilian.
For the first phase of their preseason tour, Man United will depart for Thailand on Friday. At this time, it is unknown if Ronaldo will be travelling with the team to Bangkok.