Antony Reveals Manchester United Rivals Almost Signed Him

Hugo van Dijk

4 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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Manchester United winger Antony has dropped a bombshell, revealing that several of the Red Devils' fiercest rivals were hot on his heels before he completed his move to Old Trafford. This unexpected confession sheds light on a previously unknown transfer battle and raises questions about what might have been. This article delves into the details of Antony's near misses with other top clubs, exploring the contenders, his reasons for choosing Manchester United, and the wider impact on the Premier League.

Which Clubs Almost Signed Antony? Unveiling the Contenders

The race to secure Antony's signature was far more intense than previously imagined. Several Premier League heavyweights were reportedly in the running, making the Brazilian's eventual arrival at Old Trafford all the more remarkable.

• Liverpool: While never officially confirmed, reports suggested Liverpool showed initial interest in Antony. Their need for attacking width, particularly after the departure of Sadio Mané, made him a potentially attractive option. However, their reported focus on other targets, and perhaps a perceived higher price tag from Ajax, ultimately led them to pursue other avenues. The potential for a direct rivalry with Manchester United might also have been a factor.

• Chelsea: Chelsea, under their previous ownership, were known for their extravagant spending habits, and Antony certainly fit the profile of a player they might target. Their interest, however, seemed less concrete than Liverpool's. The constant managerial changes at Stamford Bridge during this period might have also played a part in hindering a serious bid. There were whispers of informal contact, but nothing substantial emerged publicly.

• Manchester City: Although less prominently featured in the rumour mill, given their existing abundance of attacking talent, the possibility of Manchester City expressing an interest cannot be entirely dismissed. Their pursuit of a specific player profile, however, might not have perfectly aligned with Antony’s attributes at the time.

Antony's Perspective: Why Manchester United?

Antony himself has offered glimpses into his decision-making process. While he hasn’t explicitly named rival clubs, his comments clearly suggest why Manchester United emerged victorious.

• The Manchester United Project: Antony has repeatedly spoken of his admiration for the club’s history and ambition. He mentioned the exciting project underway at Old Trafford and the opportunity to play alongside some of the world's best players. This suggests a desire to be a part of something significant and contribute to a club with a winning mentality.

• Erik ten Hag's Influence: The presence of his former manager, Erik ten Hag, was undeniably a crucial factor. Their established rapport and tactical understanding made the transition smoother. This pre-existing relationship played a significant role in Antony's preference for a move to Manchester.

• Contract Terms: While the exact figures remain undisclosed, it’s speculated that Manchester United offered a competitive contract, potentially including lucrative bonuses and a long-term commitment, helping to sway his decision. The package likely surpassed those proposed by other interested parties.

The Impact of Antony's Near-Misses on the Premier League

Antony's choice to join Manchester United, rather than their rivals, has had a significant ripple effect across the Premier League.

• Manchester United's Enhanced Attack: Antony has demonstrably added a new dimension to Manchester United’s attack, offering pace, skill and a directness that was previously lacking. His presence has directly improved their attacking capabilities.

• Rival Clubs' Transfer Strategies: The failure to sign Antony has likely forced the other clubs to reassess their transfer strategies. Their subsequent recruitment decisions reflect the need to find alternative solutions to fill the gaps in their squads which were initially targeted by Antony's potential signing.

• Future Transfer Battles: Given Antony's talent and the intense competition for his signature, we can expect future transfer battles involving him and these same Premier League clubs. His progression at Manchester United will continue to attract the attention of elite clubs across Europe.

Conclusion

Antony's revelation about nearly joining rival Premier League clubs adds a compelling new chapter to his already impressive career. This article explored the various teams vying for his signature, highlighting the reasons behind Manchester United's ultimate success in securing his services. The narrative underscores the intense competition in the transfer market and how close the Premier League giants came to altering their respective squads. The impact of Antony's decision continues to resonate throughout the league.

Call to Action: Want to stay updated on the latest football transfer news and Antony's progress at Manchester United? Follow us for more insightful articles on Antony and other Premier League stars! Learn more about Antony's Manchester United journey and the intense transfer battle he was involved in.