Man Utd to bid £67.9m for Antony (again) as Ajax boss mocks Red Devils
Manchester United are set to make another bid for Antony, but won’t increase their offer for the Ajax winger.
Antony has been one of Erik ten Hag’s top targets throughout this summer, and the United manager continues to push to be reunited with the 22-year-old.
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Ten Hag signed Antony for Ajax in the summer of 2020, and the pair won two Eredivisie titles and the Dutch Cup during their time together in Amsterdam.
United have reportedly been encouraged by Antony’s omission from the Ajax squad for their game against Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday.
A source has told Sky Sports that the Brazilian is “not mentally right” to play for the Dutch side having had his head turned by United’s offer of €80m (£67.9m) last week.
Asked whether he could guarantee he would still be playing in the Eredivisie beyond this month, Antony said on Saturday: “No, to be perfectly honest, I can’t.
“What I can say is that I want to come to the right decision with my family, business partners and Ajax, which is good for everyone.
“In the end, God determines my future. I am very happy at Ajax, I have a contract until the summer of 2025 and I will give everything for this beautiful club for every second. I wear the shirt with pride and from day one I feel at home.
“If we all decide that I will stay here, then I know that this is the best thing for me and the club. It’s not like I have to leave.
“Now I am focusing on playing football and have put all other matters in the hands of my agents and my brother. They will advise me on what is best.”
Reports suggest Ajax want €100m (£84.8m) for the forward, but Sky Sports claim United are reluctant to pay more than the £67.9m Ajax have already rejected, and so are instead exploring an ‘improved structure of payments’ to tempt the Dutch club into accepting the fee.
The Red Devils are said to be prepared to walk away from the deal if Ajax refuse the improved terms, with PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo and Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic other options they’re said to be considering.
Alfred Schreuder, the man who’s replaced Ten Hag at the Ajax helm, says he doesn’t want Antony to leave, digging out United in the process.
When asked whether Antony would stay, Shreuder said: “Yes, my feeling is good. I understand Antony. But you play for Ajax. We are playing Champions League football. I don’t think Manchester United are playing Champions League football.
“I want Antony to stay. I am assuming that the club will not sell him. The money that is being thrown around these days is crazy. But I would not find it okay if we sell another player. We are in a powerful position, financially.”