Ajax set to lower ‘unreasonable asking price’ as Man Utd ‘edge closer’ to transfer
Man Utd could be move towards another addition this summer with a move for Antony ‘edging closer’, according to reports.
In a refreshing break from talking about Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, the Red Devils have reportedly decided to make a move for Ajax winger Antony.
Antony has been heavily linked to Old Trafford already this summer but rumours have quietened down recently after reports that the Dutch club wanted £68m for him.
Eight players whose actual transfer fee was dwarfed by the supposed asking price
It’s no wonder Man Utd are keen on the Brazilian with the 22-year-old contributing 17 goals and 12 assists over the last two Eredivisie campaigns.
Man Utd could do with more attacking reinforcements with former interim boss Ralf Rangnick relying on youngster Anthony Elanga a lot towards the end of last season.
And now journalist Sam Pilger, who writes for Forbes, The Athletic and other publications, claims that Antony is ‘edging closer’ to a move to Old Trafford.
He adds that Ajax are ‘now willing to lower their initially unreasonable asking price and do a deal’ with Man Utd ‘about to go back with another bid’.
Antony is edging closer to #MUFC. There is an understanding Ajax are now willing to lower their initially unreasonable asking price and do a deal. United about to go back with another bid.
— Sam Pilger (@sampilger) July 26, 2022
Man Utd fans have also been given fresh hope of signing Antony by Ajax technical manager Gerry Hamstra, who has insisted that “you can never say never” over potential outgoings.
Hamstra said: “We want to keep this group together. I assume that no one leaves this core anymore. Of course you can never say never, I have learned that by now.
“But we also talk about it with the players, have conversations. Also with boys who may have a wish to leave. Ajax players are drawn, that is logical.”
Despite their reported interest in Antony, Ten Hag has been pleased with how his forward players peformed on their pre-season tour as they scored 13 goals in four matches.
“I think in general our front men, our forward players did well,” Ten Hag said when asked about Anthony Martial’s contribution.
“They were really well connected, I think that was really a weapon. I think it is really difficult to defend. We have a lot of movement, we have skills and they can finish.”
The Red Devils have already signed Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez but more was expected of them as they look to give Erik ten Hag the tools to have a successful season after finishing sixth last term.