According to Mike Verweij of De Telegraaf, Brazilian international Antony will not play in the club’s upcoming match against FC Utrecht after a new bid of £76.38 million from Manchester United was rejected by Ajax. The Dutch club are reportedly looking for a fee of £85 million, with the star attacker with 28 career goals seen as a “priority” for the Red Devils. The player has also spoken of his desire to join the red half of Manchester, which he reiterated during an exclusive interview with Fabrizio Romano.
Antony: Manchester United’s ‘Priority’ Target Refuses to Train and Will Not Be Picked for Upcoming Match
BREAKING: #MUFC heeft vrijdagmiddag een nieuw bod geplaatst op #Antony van 90 miljoen euro. #Ajax
🏴 MUFC have placed a new bid for Antony of €90 million on Friday afternoon. #Ajaxhttps://t.co/7RRD8U2QmL— Mike Verweij (@MikeVerweij) August 26, 2022
Ajax Reject New Bid From Manchester United
The Brazilian winger “only wants United”, according to transfer guru Romano, with the 22-year-old winger becoming increasingly unhappy. His refusal to train has led to his exclusion from the upcoming FC Utrecht game. The Italian transfer expert also revealed in a separate tweet that the Eredivisie champions were making negotiations between the two clubs difficult. Despite the seemingly good relationship between the two clubs, the Dutch side are understandably desperate to keep their star man.
The Johan Cruyff Arena squad has been decimated since last season following the departure of Erik ten Hag and several key players from last season’s title-winning team. They rejected the Red Devils’ opening bid of £67.5 million, with Ajax asking for £85 million if they are to part with another star player.
Manchester United new bid has been rejected by Ajax earlier today. €90m is considered not enough, that’s why Antony is disappointed with Ajax – he only wants United. 🚨🔴 #MUFC
Bid has been submitted as called by @MikeVerweij and it’s already turned down. pic.twitter.com/zmKzbnecZt
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 26, 2022
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The Dutch giants are not in desperate need of funds following the sale of Lisandro Martinez to Manchester United, so it’s difficult to see them lowering their demands despite Antony’s desire to move to United.
Why Ajax Are Reluctant to Sell
Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder was asked during his Champions League draw press conference whether Antony would be ‘crazy’ to swap their mouth-watering Champions League group to play in the Europa League at United: Schreuder responded: “Absolutely.”
Traditionally seen as a selling club, the Dutch side are in a strong position following the sales of Martinez and other star players. Also letting Hakim Ziyech and Frenkie de Jong go for substantial fees in recent seasons have left the Eredivisie champions in a favourable financial position to keep hold of their star player. His speed, close control, and balance make him a much-wanted commodity in the transfer market with Ajax keen to keep hold of their star man.
