Deal imminent – Man Utd need to pay £84m + 10m on addon to complete fourth signing of 22-goal/assist star
According to Dutch media, Ajax has raised their asking price, making it much more difficult for Manchester United to sign Antony.
The Brazilian international has been identified as one of United’s main targets for the upcoming transfer window, but the Red Devils have yet to reach an agreement with the Dutch champions.
Ajax rejected an opening bid of €60 million (£51 million) earlier this month because it fell short of its €80 million (£67 million) value. United has been dealt another setback.
According to Mike Verweij of De Telegraaf, Ajax has raised the asking price to €100 million (£84 million), and they are hesitant to lose any more players during the transfer season.
In our opinion:
United has a history of wrangling over price tags, and that trend has continued this summer.
The club’s hierarchy engaged in lengthy discussions with Ajax for Lisandro Martinez, ultimately paying a whopping £57m plus add-ons for the Argentine.
They are in the same scenario as Antony. They might have signed him earlier in the transfer window for a lower fee. Ajax is now directing his situation at a larger cost.
With three years remaining on Antony’s contract, Ajax is under no obligation to sell this summer, and it is up to United to persuade them with a substantial transfer offer.
The board may have approved a £67 million deal, but severe questions will now be raised. It remains to be seen whether the hierarchy will support manager Erik ten Hag in his pursuit of Antony.
The Brazil international is a left-footed right-wing specialist who has rarely played elsewhere.
Jadon Sancho has peaked at the position throughout preseason, while United have bright teenagers Anthony Elanga and Amad Diallo on the bench.
Antony, who had 12 goals and 10 assists for Ajax last season, would undoubtedly be an improvement over the duo, but paying £84 million on an unknown Premier League player is a hefty gamble.
