Reports from Brazil and England have suggested Manchester United could be making moves for Ajax star Antony.
The forward is just one of a number of past and present Ajax players linked to United, as Erik ten Hag gets down to work on his squad for next season. Frenkie de Jong and Jurrien Timber are already on his list of targets, and it’s claimed Antony could be joining the pair.
Manchester United have begun talks with the representatives of Ajax winger Antony ahead of a proposed move this summer, according to a report.
The Brazilian has enjoyed an impressive two years under new United boss Erik ten Hag in the Netherlands, scoring 22 goals and registering 16 assists for the club across 74 appearances in all competitions since making the 14 million pounds move from Sao Paulo in July 2020.
Antony could well be the first signing of the Ten Hag era at United, with the report claiming that a decision could be made in a few days as a result of his representatives speeding up the process.
United and Ajax have built up strong relations over the years following multiple transfer dealings, as well as United legend Edwin van der Sar being a senior figure at the Amsterdam side.
Antony’s rise in stature has seen him attract interest from top clubs across Europe. The likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Chelsea have been linked with a move for the Brazilian international at some point in the recent past. Manchester United, too, have entered the race for the speedy winger, with the Red Devils’ interest increasing after the appointment of Erik ten Hag as manager.
The 52-year-old Dutch tactician took over the reins at Manchester United this month, replacing interim manager Ralf Rangnick. And ten Hag is looking to build a team in his own image as he looks to lead the 20-time English champions back to the top of the pile.
With Liverpool looking favourites for the signing of Darwin Nunez, United could look to revamp their transfer strategy and sign Antony.
The Red Devils lack an out-and-out winger who can operate on the right flank. Jadon Sancho was signed for that very role but eventually displaced Marcus Rashford on the left-wing.
With the signing of Antony, United would get a balanced frontline, with creativity on either flank.
If the deal is completed, Sao Paulo will make around 15 million euros because of the 20 per cent sell-on clause that was part of the deal when they sold him to Ajax, plus the 2.7 per cent they are entitled to from his time in their youth academy.
