Manchester United are still considering Ajax winger Antony as one of their top transfer targets for the summer, confirms Fabrizio Romano. Erik ten Hag still wants to reunite with his former player and improve his attacking line ahead of the new season, and despite the slow negotiations, Romano “wouldn’t rule anything out”.
Manchester United Still in the Race to Sign Antony
Ajax Must Reduce Demands to Push Antony’s Sale
The Red Devils remain admirers of the Brazilian winger, who enjoyed a prolific campaign under Ten Hag last season, scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists. However, the Manchester giants are still not ready to pay a fee of upwards of £75 million for the 22-year-old – which is what Ajax are demanding to let him go.
The situation is further complicated by the Eredivisie side’s insistence to keep him for at least another season before thinking about a potential sale. United are only willing to negotiate a deal for Antony if Ajax are ready to discuss different terms and lower their fee for him.
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The Red Devils have usually enjoyed a pretty healthy working relationship with Ajax over the years. They signed Lisandro Martinez from them this summer and roped in Donny van de Beek from the club in 2020. Edwin Van der Sar, a Manchester United legend, is currently the CEO of the Dutch club and helps maintain good terms.
United’s Summer Transfer Business So Far
The Manchester giants have been operating at a relatively moderate speed in Ten Hag’s first transfer window as manager. They have signed Christian Eriksen on a free transfer to bolster their midfield, which was left short in options after the departures of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata, and Jesse Lingard.
United have also signed Tyrell Malacia to improve the competitiveness in the left-back position with Luke Shaw. This move knocked Alex Telles down to third-choice on the left-hand side of the defence, and as such he is being loaned out to Sevilla for the season.
The Red Devils’ most expensive signing this summer has been that of Martinez from Ajax for around £57 million. The Manchester giants remain on the hunt for more signings as they aim to strengthen the squad before the end of the transfer window.
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They are still in the running to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong and have even reportedly agreed a £63 million transfer fee with the La Liga side for him, but personal terms are still holding the deal back.
United are hoping to end their transfer window with some blockbuster signings, which includes that of Antony – who has been described as “The Next Neymar” – but won’t pay over the odds as they have numerous times in the past.
