Ajax ‘blocked’ Manchester United from completing a third raid on them and signing Brian Brobbey this summer, although a January switch could yet occur.
Manchester United adhered to Erik ten Hag’s wishes by landing both Lisandro Martinez and Antony from Ajax. The manager knows these players well and believes they will help him to achieve success at Old Trafford.
Ajax were hoping to keep both players but allowed them to go once they found out how much Manchester United were willing to pay.
They spent a reported £57million on centre-back Martinez, as well as £86m on nine-cap Brazil international Antony.
Martinez is working hard to fight off the judgement regarding his height and is forming a good relationship with Raphael Varane in defence.
Antony, meanwhile, marked his United debut with a goal in their recent 3-1 victory over Arsenal.
Martinez and Antony weren’t the only Ajax stars United pushed to sign in the summer transfer window. They also went after Brobbey to improve their attacking options.
However, Ajax ‘blocked’ the transfer from going ahead as they were keen to keep him, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Brian Brobbey update given by Fabrizio Romano
Providing his information on the transfer chase, Romano said (via The Sun): “Brian Brobbey has opened up about an approach from Ten Hag, and he’s made it clear in an interview with ESPN that he would love to play for United, but what really went on with these talks.
“There was only one approach between Ten Hag and Brobbey. But the player was already blocked by Ajax, it was never a concrete negotiation.
“As for the future, that will depend on Brobbey’s performances at Ajax, he needs to be regular and consistent.
“I think he’s a great talent but he has to prove his skills with a top-level season.”
Brobbey’s interview with ESPN is certainly an interesting read. Here’s what he had to say: “I am very happy for [Erik ten Hag] and he really deserves it after everything he has done for Ajax. If only he brings me with him in two years…. no no.. joking joking!”
“Erik [ten Hag] sent me a message, yes, to congratulate me, and to tell me that he would like to have me at Manchester United
“But I’m not finished at Ajax yet, I want to show something here first.”
Striker admits United ‘dream’
The 20-year-old also called United his ‘dream’ club. Should he have a great first half of the season, then this could see United make a new approach for him in January.
United were linked with plenty of strikers during the summer, including Alvaro Morata, Sasa Kalajdzic and Marko Arnautovic.
Brobbey would be a good option to solve their hunt. He is still young, which means he has plenty of time to reach his full potential.
And he knows where the goal is. During the 2020-21 campaign, Brobbey found the net 15 times in 36 matches.
Clearly, it would be a big step up for the Dutchman to go from Ajax to United. However, Martinez and Antony have done well in the early parts of their United careers. This suggests Brobbey could potentially adapt well to the big new challenge.
Meanwhile, Man Utd and Chelsea are hoping to capture Wolves’ head of scouting and recruitment Matt Hobbs, according to a report.
