Manchester United are considering pulling the plug on their Antony pursuit after their improved bid was rejected, while the player has shed light on why Ajax won’t sell in an emotional interview.
Antony has remained Erik ten Hag’s number one target for the wings throughout the summer. Their latest bid totalling around £76m was rejected by Ajax on Friday. Bids being knocked back has often been a pre-cursor to a higher offer being tabled at United this summer, though according to the Telegraph, that may no longer be the case for Antony.
They report Manchester United are ‘weighing up whether to walk away’ from their pursuit with less than a week remaining in the window.
Ten Hag is desperate to forge a reunion with the Brazilian. However, try as they might, Ajax won’t budge.
It’s been speculated the Dutch club value Antony around the £85m mark. United could simply raise their bid to that level and wait for a response, though there’s a sense their last bid of £76m was already an overpayment.
Indeed, it’s noted Antony’s Brazil teammate, Raphinha, moved to Barcelona this summer for £20m less than United’s last bid for Antony. As such, the time may be now to walk away and pursue alternative targets as they did with Frenkie de Jong.
In that respect, the Telegraph name Cody Gakpo, Christian Pulisic and Yannick Carrasco as contenders. The Manchester Evening News added Memphis Depay to the mix earlier today after his proposed move to Juventus collapsed.
If United do abandon their chase, Antony’s dreams of moving to Old Trafford will be dashed.
The 22-year-old is determined to push through a move and agreed personal terms with United over 10 days ago. However, if Ajax won’t sell, there’s little he can do.
Antony lifts lid on transfer saga
His frustrations have now come to light in an interview with transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano.
Romano revealed Antony’s anger and discontent at his situation through a series of tweets, with the winger explaining his side of the story.
Antony also revealed how a meeting with Ajax on Friday went down upon United’s latest bid being rejected.
“Since February of this year, my agents came to Amsterdam to inform Ajax of my desire to leave the club to face new challenge and that some interested clubs would arrive and with them, certainly a great offer,” said Antony.
“In June of this year, I interrupted my vacation and came personally to inform the managers of Ajax, including new coach, about my wish to leave and that they should consider this possibility, because it was a project for two seasons.
“During the window months, meetings continued and I also received a proposal from Ajax for contract renewal. I made it clear once again: I want to leave.”
Ajax explanation for refusing to sell
Antony then claimed Ajax rebuffed United’s bid due to having insufficient time to sign a replacement. They had identified Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech as a potential replacement, though that move has his complications.
Antony continued: “Today, in a meeting with the club, I expressed my old interest in leaving, only this time with a considerable offer on the table. Others had already arrived. Ajax refused with the argument that they only have five days to replace me.”
“I’m not asking Ajax to release me, I’m asking Ajax to sell me with the highest bid ever for Eredivisie player. I’ve been insisting on this theme since February so that the club could rebuild the team with peace of mind.
“I was very happy in Amsterdam, I won titles at Ajax, made friends and built part of my career, but now I reinforce that I am ready and full of motivation to follow my story and my dreams.
“People need to listen to me and understand that my motivation moves me towards happiness. I need this to continue performing at a high level. Ajax will always be in my heart.”
When asked if he has a final message for the Ajax fans, Antony concluded: “I hope Ajax fans understand me… because the future for a football player is a totally uncertain thing and the opportunities can be unique. My message is one of gratitude for Ajax, club and fans.”
