How Antony Almost Signed For Manchester United's Biggest Rivals

Hugo van Dijk

4 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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Antony's Rise Through Ajax's Ranks

Before captivating Premier League audiences, Antony honed his skills at Ajax Amsterdam. His time in the Netherlands was a masterclass in attacking flair, showcasing the raw talent that made him a target for Europe's elite. The Brazilian winger's performances consistently impressed, leaving scouts from around the globe scrambling to secure his signature.

• Goals and Assists: Antony consistently delivered, contributing a significant number of goals and assists during his time at Ajax, solidifying his reputation as a dangerous attacking threat. His contributions were pivotal in Ajax's successes.
• Key Matches: He shone brightly in several crucial matches, consistently rising to the occasion and delivering match-winning performances. These standout displays highlighted his ability to perform under pressure and influence the game at the highest level.
• Playing Style: Antony's electrifying pace, skillful dribbling, and pinpoint crossing quickly became his trademarks. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one, coupled with his eye for goal and ability to create chances for teammates, made him a highly sought-after asset.
• Awards and Accolades: Antony's impressive performances earned him recognition and accolades during his time at Ajax, further solidifying his status as one of the most promising young players in Europe.

Manchester City's Initial Interest and Negotiations

Manchester City, under the astute management of Pep Guardiola, identified Antony as a player who could significantly bolster their already formidable attacking options. The club's interest sparked a period of intense negotiations with Ajax. The timeline involved several meetings, discussions, and reported bids, with key figures from both clubs actively involved.

• Timeline: City's pursuit of Antony unfolded over several weeks, involving multiple rounds of negotiations and discussions regarding transfer fees and contract terms.
• Reported Bids: While exact figures remain undisclosed, reports suggested significant bids were made by Manchester City, reflecting their genuine interest in securing the Brazilian's services.
• Key Personnel: The negotiations involved key personnel from both Manchester City's and Ajax's management teams, including Pep Guardiola, sporting directors, and agents, all striving to reach an agreement.
• Reasons for Interest: City’s interest stemmed from their need to refresh their attacking options and Antony's style of play, which appeared to fit seamlessly with Guardiola’s tactical system. His dribbling ability and goal-scoring prowess were seen as valuable additions to the squad.

Why the Transfer to Manchester City Fell Through

Despite City's significant interest and reported bids, the transfer ultimately fell through. Several factors likely contributed to the breakdown of negotiations, including differing valuations, personal preferences, and the complexities of international transfers.

• Transfer Fee Discrepancy: Ajax reportedly demanded a high transfer fee, a figure that Manchester City was unwilling or unable to meet, creating a significant impasse in negotiations.
• Antony's Preferences: Reports suggest that Antony himself may have had reservations about moving to Manchester City, potentially preferring a different club or league. His personal preferences played a vital role.
• Agent Influence: The involvement of Antony's agent inevitably played a part in the negotiations. Their strategies and demands could have influenced the outcome of the transfer talks.
• Other Contributing Factors: Other unforeseen circumstances or internal factors within either club could have contributed to the failure to reach a final agreement.

Antony's Subsequent Move to Manchester United

The failed Manchester City transfer paved the way for Antony's move to Manchester United. This transfer, orchestrated by Erik ten Hag – his former manager at Ajax – saw the Brazilian winger join the Red Devils in a significant transfer deal.

• Transfer Fee: Manchester United paid a substantial transfer fee to secure Antony’s services, demonstrating their commitment to strengthening their squad.
• Erik ten Hag's Role: The presence of Erik ten Hag, who had previously managed Antony at Ajax, played a significant role in the transfer, strengthening the appeal of moving to Manchester United.
• Transfer Announcement: The official announcement of Antony's move to Manchester United was met with excitement from both the club and its supporters.
• Early Performances: Antony has shown glimpses of his potential in his appearances for Manchester United, and his contributions continue to excite the fans.

Conclusion

Antony's near-miss transfer to Manchester City highlights the intricate and often unpredictable nature of football transfers. The saga demonstrates how a multitude of factors – from transfer fees and player preferences to managerial influence and the agent's role – can impact a player’s destination. While Manchester City’s pursuit fell short, Manchester United ultimately secured the services of a talented winger. This near miss significantly impacted both clubs’ transfer strategies and squad compositions.

What do you think? Could Antony have thrived at Manchester City? Share your thoughts on Antony’s near-miss transfer in the comments below! #Antony #ManchesterUnited #ManchesterCity #TransferNews #PremierLeague