How Close Antony Came To Joining Man Utd's Biggest Rivals

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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The Early Stages: Antony's Rise and Initial Interest

Antony's meteoric rise through the ranks of Ajax was nothing short of spectacular. The young Brazilian showcased his electrifying pace, mesmerizing dribbling skills, and an eye for goal, quickly becoming a fan favorite in Amsterdam. His performances didn't go unnoticed by some of Europe's biggest clubs. The Premier League, in particular, showed significant interest in the Ajax starlet. Manchester United, along with other giants like Liverpool and Chelsea, were among the many teams tracking his progress.

• Scouting reports: Numerous scouts from top Premier League clubs regularly attended Ajax matches to assess Antony's abilities firsthand.
• Transfer rumors: Speculation surrounding Antony's future began to swirl long before the summer transfer window officially opened. The media buzzed with reports linking him to several high-profile clubs.
• Initial contact from clubs: While the specifics remain largely confidential, it's widely believed that several clubs initiated contact with Ajax to express their interest in securing Antony's signature.

Manchester United's Pursuit: The Negotiations and Bid

Manchester United's pursuit of Antony was aggressive and persistent. Erik ten Hag, having worked with the player previously at Ajax, was keen to reunite with him at Old Trafford. The Red Devils made their intentions clear, submitting a series of bids to Ajax. However, the negotiations were far from smooth sailing. Ajax proved to be tough negotiators, demanding a substantial transfer fee for their prized asset.

• First offer: Manchester United's initial bid was reportedly rejected by Ajax, who felt it undervalued Antony's talent and potential.
• Counter-offers: A back-and-forth ensued, with Manchester United increasing their offer in response to Ajax's demands. The negotiations stretched on for weeks, creating considerable uncertainty.
• Stalled negotiations: At one point, it seemed the deal might collapse, leaving the door open for other interested clubs to make a move.

The Rival Club's Interest: What Could Have Been

While Manchester United were the most prominent suitors for Antony, reports emerged suggesting that a rival club – Liverpool – had also expressed serious interest. Although never confirmed officially, rumors suggested that Liverpool made inquiries regarding Antony’s availability, potentially seeing him as a valuable addition to their attacking line-up. The potential reasons for Liverpool’s interest were clear: Antony's direct style of play and his ability to beat defenders one-on-one perfectly complemented Liverpool’s high-pressing, attacking approach.

• Rival bid: While the specifics of any potential Liverpool bid remain unclear, it's highly plausible that they made a serious attempt to sign Antony, especially considering their need for attacking reinforcements at the time.
• Alternative destination: Had Antony chosen Liverpool, it would have significantly altered the balance of power in the Premier League, adding another potent attacking threat to an already formidable squad.
• Missed opportunity?: From Liverpool’s perspective, the failure to secure Antony’s signature could be seen as a missed opportunity to add a young, dynamic player to their roster.

The Decisive Factor: Why Antony Chose Manchester United

Ultimately, Antony opted to join Manchester United. Several factors contributed to his decision. While financial incentives certainly played a role, the influence of Erik ten Hag proved to be crucial. The familiarity and trust built during their time together at Ajax played a significant part in swaying Antony's choice.

• Managerial influence: Ten Hag's personal appeal and the promise of a key role in his tactical system were major factors in Antony's decision.
• Playing style and team fit: Antony likely felt a greater sense of familiarity and confidence with Ten Hag's system, understanding his demands and expectations better than potentially at another club.
• Financial incentives: A lucrative contract at Manchester United undoubtedly sweetened the deal, making it a financially attractive proposition for the player.
• Personal preferences: Beyond the tactical and financial aspects, there may have been personal reasons that led Antony to prefer Manchester United, including lifestyle factors or the club's overall vision.

Conclusion

Antony's transfer to Manchester United was a dramatic saga, coming incredibly close to taking a completely different turn. While Manchester United ultimately won the race, the near-miss transfer to a rival club highlights the unpredictable nature of the football transfer market. The interplay of managerial influence, tactical fit, and financial incentives shaped Antony's final choice. What do you think about Antony's transfer? Do you think he made the right decision? Share your thoughts on this close call in the comments below! Learn more about the world of football transfers and other exciting Premier League sagas on our site.