Ajax star reveals he rejected Man Utd this summer; lifts lid on ‘message’ from Ten Hag
Ajax forward Brian Brobbey has revealed that he turned down a move to Manchester United earlier this summer as he wanted to return to the Dutch side.
Brobbey was managed by Erik ten Hag during their time together at Ajax.
The 20-year-old returned to the club on loan from RB Leipzig last season as he spent the last few months of the campaign in the Eredivisie.
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He made an impact right away as he grabbed seven goals and one assist in only eleven league outings.
It became clear before the culmination of the 2021/22 campaign that Ten Hag was leaving Ajax to take over at Man Utd.
Speaking back in April, Brobbey joked that he wanted Ten Hag to bring him to England:
“I am very happy for him and he really deserves it after everything he has done for Ajax.
“Hopefully he brings me with him in two years! No, no, joking, joking!”
Ten Hag has not been against targeting Ajax players this summer as Man Utd have already spent around £56m to sign Lisandro Martinez.
They were also linked with Jurrien Timber earlier this summer, but he has since penned a contract extension which runs until 2025.
The Red Devils do remain interested in Antony though as he is their preferred option in their pursuit of a new winger.
It was revealed on Wednesday evening that Man Utd are ‘prepared’ to offer £80m including add-ons to sign the Brazilian.
Brobbey is one player they will not sign, though. The youngster has made his loan move to Ajax permanent, with the Dutch side paying around £16m to bring him back.
United were linked with him and they may rue not getting him as Brobbey has made a bright start to the 2022/23 campaign.
He has been involved in three goals in three league games so far and he has revealed that he said no to United earlier this summer:
“Erik also wanted to work with me, he sent me a message on the phone whether I was open to it, but I thanked him (and said no),” Brobbey said (via Sport Witness).
“I wanted to go back. My friends here, Ajax’s style of play, it just wasn’t finished yet. First, I have to succeed here as a striker for Ajax.
“That’s how it felt the past six months, when I played here on a rental basis. After that I really had the feeling: I really have to return.”
