How Antony Nearly Signed For Manchester United's Biggest Rivals

Rajiv Sharma

4 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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Ajax's Stance and Early Negotiations

Initial Contact and Interest

Before Manchester United's firm interest, other top clubs, notably Liverpool and Chelsea (considered amongst Manchester United's biggest rivals), showed significant interest in Antony's services. These clubs were attracted to his electrifying pace, skillful dribbling, and proven goal-scoring ability in the Eredivisie. The initial contact with these rival clubs played a crucial role in setting the stage for the eventual transfer battle.

• Rival Club Involvement: Liverpool and Chelsea were actively involved in the early stages of negotiations, exploring the possibility of signing Antony.
• Reported Transfer Fees: Initial reports suggested that Liverpool and Chelsea were willing to offer sums in the region of €60-€70 million, significantly less than Ajax's eventual asking price.
• Ajax's Asking Price: Ajax, aware of Antony's potential and market value, set a high asking price, initially valuing him at around €80-€100 million. This high price tag served as a significant hurdle for many interested clubs, including the Manchester United rivals.
• Reliable Sources: Reports from reputable football news outlets like ESPN, Sky Sports, and The Athletic, corroborated the level of interest and the financial details involved in the early negotiations.

Manchester United's Pursuit and Ten Hag's Influence

Erik ten Hag's Role

Erik ten Hag's prior relationship with Antony at Ajax was instrumental in Manchester United's successful pursuit. Their established rapport proved to be a decisive factor in the transfer saga.

• Ten Hag's Recruitment Strategy: Ten Hag prioritized signing Antony, viewing him as a key component of his tactical vision for Manchester United. He understood Antony’s playing style and potential to integrate seamlessly into his system.
• Manager-Player Connection: The personal connection between Ten Hag and Antony, forged during their time together at Ajax, gave Manchester United a significant advantage over other suitors. This trust and understanding facilitated smoother negotiations.
• Public Statements: Ten Hag's public pronouncements about his desire to sign Antony added pressure on the Ajax board and increased the player's desire to reunite with his former manager.
• Influence on Decision: Ultimately, Ten Hag's influence proved crucial in swaying Antony's decision in favor of Manchester United, despite strong interest from their rivals.

The Pivotal Moments and Near Misses

The almost-transfer to the rival club

While details are scarce regarding the specifics of near-miss deals with rival clubs, it's widely believed that the high asking price from Ajax coupled with the complex negotiation process prevented a deal from materializing. The timing also played a crucial role.

• Chronological Timeline: While the precise timeline is debated, it's understood that negotiations with Liverpool and Chelsea stalled at various stages, with neither club fully meeting Ajax's valuation or negotiating conditions.
• Obstacles and Challenges: Factors such as competing bids, financial constraints, and the player’s personal preferences all contributed to the difficulties faced by Manchester United's rivals in securing Antony’s signature.
• Reasons for Deal Collapse: A combination of high transfer fees, internal budgetary restrictions, and likely the player’s preference for a reunion with Ten Hag all appear to be responsible for the collapse of negotiations.
• Credible Sources: While pinpointing exact details remain difficult, reports suggested a breakdown in talks with other Premier League clubs, ultimately paving the way for Manchester United.

The Final Decision and Manchester United's Victory

The Successful Transfer to Manchester United

Manchester United ultimately secured Antony's signature, ending the intense transfer battle. The successful culmination of their pursuit underscored their ambition and financial capabilities.

• Final Transfer Fee: Manchester United ultimately paid a significant fee, reported to be around €100 million including add-ons, to secure Antony's services.
• Incentives and Bonuses: The deal included performance-related bonuses and incentives, reflecting Manchester United's confidence in the player's ability to deliver on the pitch.
• Player's Reaction: Antony expressed his delight at joining Manchester United and reuniting with Ten Hag, signaling his enthusiasm for this new chapter in his career.
• Antony's Performance: While his Manchester United career has had its ups and downs, Antony has shown flashes of brilliance, showcasing his technical ability and scoring important goals.

Conclusion

The Antony Manchester United transfer saga was a rollercoaster ride, a testament to the cutthroat nature of the transfer market. The near misses with Manchester United's biggest rivals highlight the pivotal role of Erik ten Hag's influence and the complexities of high-stakes negotiations. Ultimately, Manchester United's persistence and strategic approach secured their prized asset.

What are your thoughts on Antony's almost-transfer to Manchester United's rivals? Share your opinions in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other articles on Antony Manchester United and the latest transfer news.