Antony On His Near Transfer To Manchester United's Fiercest Competitors

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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The Early Links to Manchester United's Rivals

Early reports in the summer of 2022 heavily linked Antony with a move to some of Manchester United's biggest rivals. Chelsea, Liverpool, and even Manchester City were all mentioned as potential destinations for the highly-rated Ajax winger. The whispers of a bidding war fueled the excitement among fans and media alike.

• Chelsea's Interest: Reports suggested Chelsea, under then-manager Thomas Tuchel, were seriously considering a move for Antony. However, no concrete offer was ever publicly confirmed, leaving the level of their interest somewhat ambiguous.
• Liverpool's Pursuit: Liverpool, renowned for their attacking prowess, were also linked with Antony. The potential fit within Klopp's system seemed appealing, but ultimately, they seemingly prioritized other targets. Sources suggested their interest was less concrete than that of other clubs.
• Manchester City's Consideration: Given City's history of signing top young talent, their reported interest in Antony was noteworthy. However, their already-stacked forward line may have ultimately discouraged a serious pursuit. The speculation remained largely unsubstantiated by concrete reporting.
• Analysis of Interest: The interest from these clubs highlights Antony's exceptional talent and potential. His explosive pace, dribbling skills, and eye for goal made him a highly sought-after asset. The absence of confirmed bids suggests a combination of factors including other transfer priorities and perhaps, the high asking price set by Ajax.

Why a Move to Manchester United's Rivals Didn't Materialize

Despite the early links, a move to Manchester United's rivals never materialized. Several key factors likely contributed to this outcome:

• Financial Factors: While the exact figures remain largely speculative, Ajax were reportedly demanding a substantial fee for Antony. This high asking price may have deterred some clubs, particularly those already engaged in other significant transfer deals. Wages also likely played a role in the overall financial picture.
• Managerial Influence: The crucial role of Erik ten Hag cannot be overstated. Ten Hag, who had previously managed Antony at Ajax, clearly played a pivotal role in attracting the player to Manchester United. Their pre-existing relationship, understanding of each other's playing styles and tactical preferences, proved decisive.
• Player Preference: Ultimately, Antony's personal preference appears to have been the most significant factor. The chance to reunite with Ten Hag in a familiar and supportive environment likely held considerable appeal, overriding any other offers he may have received.
• Champions League Football: While Manchester United didn’t qualify for the Champions League that season, the lure of playing at a club of their stature in a major competition ultimately proved a strong draw, especially for an ambitious player like Antony.

The Manchester United Deal and its Aftermath

In the end, Antony joined Manchester United for a reported fee of around £85 million, plus add-ons. This made him one of the most expensive signings of the summer transfer window.

• Finalization of the Transfer: The deal’s finalization was met with mixed reactions. While some celebrated the acquisition of a talented winger, others questioned the price tag. The deal, however, showcased Manchester United's renewed ambition in the transfer market.
• Fan and Media Reaction: The reaction from fans and the media was highly polarized. Many Manchester United fans were thrilled with the acquisition of a proven talent and a player seemingly tailor-made for Erik ten Hag’s system. However, others voiced concerns about the transfer fee, especially given the club's inconsistent recent performances.
• Antony's Performance: Antony's performance at Manchester United has been a mixed bag. While showcasing moments of brilliance, he also experienced periods of inconsistency. Adapting to the Premier League takes time and he faces stiff competition for his position.
• Impact on Squad Building: The Antony transfer significantly impacted Manchester United's squad building. It solidified their attacking options, and arguably forced their rivals to re-evaluate their own transfer strategies. It showcased the intense competition for top talent in the modern football market.

Conclusion

Antony’s transfer saga highlights the intense competition for top players in the Premier League. His near misses with Manchester United's rivals underscore the complex interplay of financial factors, managerial influence, player preference, and ultimately, a player's decision. The high transfer fee and subsequent performances at Old Trafford cemented this summer transfer window as a pivotal moment in the player's career and Manchester United’s ambitions. Want to know more about the complex world of football transfers and the strategies behind major signings? Read more articles on Antony's career and the impactful summer transfer window here! Explore the full story of Antony’s near transfer to Manchester United's fiercest competitors and learn about the behind-the-scenes maneuvering in the high-stakes world of football transfers.