Latest reports suggest that Manchester United are unlikely to pursue a move for Ajax winger Antony as far as the 2022 Summer transfer window is concerned. The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a move for the Brazilian forward.

After an infuriating month of inactivity in the summer transfer market, the Red Devils have officially made their first signing under new manager Erik Ten Hag, with the club having announced the arrival of Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord.

In addition to the left-back’s arrival, highly-coveted Danish international, Christian Eriksen, is also reported to have agreed on a move to Old Trafford. The club are now likely to wrap up three signings including that of centre-back Lisandro Martinez, with the players expected to join in the midst of their pre-season tour, which began on Tuesday.

While Manchester United are expected to remain in the market for additional players including their summer marquee signing, Frenkie De Jong, the club’s limited budget could see them, reportedly, lose out on 22-year-old Ajax winger Antony this summer.

Said to be Ten Hag’s priority target for the right-wing position, the forward remains keen on a move to Old Trafford. As reported by GOAL, Man United submitted a €60 million (£51m) offer for Antony, but Ajax rejected the bid. Given the Eredivisie club’s hefty €80m (£68m) valuation for the Brazilian, United remain unlikely to launch another bid anytime soon.

Antony’s 21/22 #UCL season by numbers (7 games):

78% pass accuracy
74 progressive carries
29 shot-creating actions
26 shots
18 passes into box
10 goal-creating actions
10 successful take-ons
9 chances created
5 assists [2.2 xA]
2 goals [1.7 xG]

Ten Hag reunion on the cards? pic.twitter.com/p8QxdIbbzI

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) June 14, 2022

Having been a vital part of Ten Hag’s title-winning Ajax side last season, the Brazilian registered 12 goals and 10 assists across all competitions (stats via transfermarkt), before an ankle injury saw him miss the club’s final eight games of the campaign. Understood to be possessing exceptional creative ability, Antony has emerged as a priority target for the newly appointed Dutchman as he looks to rebuild and instil balance across United’s front-line next season.

Stumbling Blocks

With Cristiano Ronaldo, reportedly, seeking a move elsewhere, Ten Hag is said to have identified Antony as a suitable replacement for the Portuguese international. Moreover, having only Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho, and Anthony Elanga to boast just about enough adequate senior-team experience to fill the attacking positions, United evidently lack the depth and quality to compete for silverware next season.

Reportedly unhappy with the situation, the 22-year-old is said to have asked Ajax to consider offers for him. However, despite the club’s €80m valuation for the Brazilian said to be non-negotiable, according to ESPN’s Rob Dawson, Manchester United are likely to continue pursuing the winger, with Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan suggesting the possibility of Ajax settling for a fee in the region of €60-65m for Antony.

Günümüz futbolunda artık nadir bulanan inceci işleri yapan topçu, Antony – 21/22

[@BruxoGuimaraesS] pic.twitter.com/WwJUosuJqr

— Bobby (@fabinhoops) December 11, 2021

According to Van der Kraan, the Eredivisie champions are said to have set a valuation of around €80m in a bid to dispirit interested parties but are likely to accept a bid within the range of €60-65m – with United expected to negotiate a deal for the same. Moreover, with United said to have prioritized an attacker ahead of the transfer window, the club are likely to pursue a deal for the player provided they succeed in agreeing on a feasible transfer fee with Ajax.

Read More:

• Dutch Club Begin Talks with Manchester United Over a Potential Move for Highly Rated Forward
• Man United Defender to be Sent on Loan This Summer Under New Boss Erik ten Hag
• Man United Handed Heavy Blow as Spanish Side Back Track on Decision to Sell €60m Rated Star

Verdict

With Ajax having already sanctioned the sales of a majority of their first-team players from last season, United will be expected to pay a monumental transfer fee if they are to land the Brazilian winger this summer. While Ten Hag is said to be keen on bringing Antony to Old Trafford, potential moves for the likes of Paulo Dybala, Ousmane Dembele, and Arnaut Danjuma are likely to emerge as tempting options for the club operating on a limited transfer budget.

Besides, with the Red Devils expected to move for Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez as their third signing of the summer, it remains unlikely that the club will negotiate for both players, conceding a substantial transfer package to Ajax this summer. Moreover, with earlier reports having suggested the need for sales as a factor in raising funds for an attacker, a move for Antony seems unattainable, hitherto.

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