United have been chasing the 22-year-old for several weeks and saw a £67.9m (€80m) bid rejected by the club earlier this week. Antony was left out of Ajax’s squad for last Sunday’s 1-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam in the latest indication that the player wants a move to Old Trafford, but the Eredivisie champions stood firm against United’s improved offer. “Since February this year, my agents came to Amsterdam to inform Ajax of my desire to leave the club to face a new challenge and that some interested clubs would arrive and, with them, certainly a big offer ”, Antoni said through an Italian journalist. Fabrizio Romano on YouTube. “During the months of the window, meetings were completed, including a proposal from Ajax for a contract renewal. I made it clear once again that I want to leave the club. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Dharmesh Sheth and Kaveh Solhekol of The Transfer Show round up the latest transfer news from all 20 Premier League clubs “Today in a meeting with the board I expressed my interest in leaving the club, this time with a significant offer on the table. Others have already arrived (but) Ajax always refuse 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 as the highest offer received for a player playing in the Eredivisie.” A move to United would see Anthony reunited with former Ajax boss Erik ten Haag, who has already recruited defender Lisandro Martinez from his former club. “I was very happy in Amsterdam, won titles at Ajax, made friends and built part of my career, but now I reinforce that I am ready and motivated to follow my story and dreams,” he added. “People need to listen to me and understand that my motivation is pushing me towards happiness. I need that to keep playing at a high level. Ajax will always be in my heart.” Despite the latest bid being rejected, talks are ongoing between the two clubs ahead of the September 1st transfer deadline.
“You can understand Ajax’s position on the sale”
Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth on The Transfer Show: “Erik Ten Haag said United need top players, Manchester United continue to chase Anthony and they continue to be rebuffed by Ajax. “An offer of €80m was rejected last week, we’ve just been told they’ve come back with an offer of €90m, including add-ons, and again Ajax want more money. “You can understand Ajax’s position. With six days left in the transfer window, it can probably smell a bit of desperation on Manchester United’s part. Why not try to push them up as much as they can, just because they might be at a disadvantage as well ; “Yes, they will have all that money in the bank if they sell Anthony to United, but how long will they have to bring in a replacement? “Anthony has made it clear that he wants to leave Ajax and join United. Talks are ongoing between the clubs, there is a friendly relationship between them, but we believe Ajax may want to push for up to €100m before selling him. “
Schreuder is confident about Antony’s future
Speaking earlier this week, Ajax boss Alfred Schroeder said he was confident Anthony would stay at the club – and appeared to bristle at United not playing in the Champions League. “I have a good feeling about it. Of course, it’s difficult. I understand the lad,” Schroeder said after Ajax’s win on Sunday. “But he plays for Ajax, so those clubs are knocking on the door. We’re playing in the Champions League and I don’t think Manchester United are.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player South American football pundit Tim Vickery discusses what Anthony could bring to Old Trafford When asked if Ajax could afford to reject offers of €90m or €100m, he replied: “I don’t know, that’s for the club to decide, but I think we’re very strong financially. “As I’ve already said, the money today is ridiculous, of course. But if you look at our squad, since I’ve arrived we’ve already sold five or six key players. I’d hate to sell another player.”
Because Anthony is Ten Haag’s man
“For sure, we hope he will be the next Ajax star.” It was July 2020 and Erik ten Hag, Ajax’s manager at the time, was introducing Anthony, the club’s new £20m signing from Sao Paulo. “We at Ajax always try to push for the top,” added Ten Haag. “So I expect him to do his best to reach that level of expectation. The rest, we’ll see in the future.” Ten Haag was right to expect big things from Anthony – the Brazilian, just 19 when he agreed to move to Amsterdam, quickly established himself as one of Ajax’s key players – but even he could not have predicted that he could a day to take him to Manchester United. very. Read Nick Wright’s full feature on Antony here.
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Who will be on the move this summer before the transfer window closes at 11pm on September 1st? Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumors on our exclusive Transfer Center blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up on the information and analysis on Sky Sports News.
