How Antony Nearly Joined Manchester United's Biggest Rivals

Felix Dubois

5 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

4.8

Share

Antony's Rise at Ajax: Setting the Stage for a Big Move

Antony's electrifying performances at Ajax Amsterdam catapulted him into the spotlight, making him a highly sought-after talent in European football. His dazzling dribbling skills, combined with an eye for goal and a knack for creating assists, made him a nightmare for defenders in the Eredivisie. His rise was meteoric; from a promising youngster to a key player in a successful Ajax side.

• Breakthrough Season: Antony's 2021-2022 season was particularly impressive, showcasing his abilities on the biggest stage. He consistently delivered crucial goals and assists, earning praise from fans and pundits alike.
• Key Stats: His goal-scoring and assist numbers consistently ranked him among the top performers in the Eredivisie, attracting the attention of scouts from top European clubs. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one was a crucial asset.
• Standout Matches: Several matches highlighted Antony's exceptional talent, solidifying his status as one of the most exciting young players in Europe. These performances fueled the intense transfer speculation.

The Early Interest from Manchester United's Rivals: Who Were the Contenders?

Before Manchester United’s ultimately successful pursuit, several of their Premier League rivals registered significant interest in Antony. The rumors swirling around the player suggested a potential bidding war was on the cards. Liverpool, Manchester City, and even Chelsea were all linked with the Brazilian in the media.

• Liverpool's Pursuit: Reports suggested that Liverpool's scouting network had closely monitored Antony's progress, considering him a potential addition to their attacking ranks. Jurgen Klopp's preference for fast, skillful wingers made Antony an attractive option.
• Manchester City's Interest: Given Manchester City’s penchant for acquiring top young talent, it wasn't surprising that they were also mentioned in connection with Antony. Their squad depth already meant they were not desperate for a winger, however.
• Chelsea's Late Bid: While less prominent in the early stages, Chelsea also showed late interest, likely looking to bolster their attacking options.

The reasons behind their interest were clear: Antony's speed, skill, and proven ability in a top European league made him a desirable asset for any ambitious club. The potential for a significant bidding war was palpable.

Negotiation Breakdown and Key Factors

Despite the considerable interest, negotiations with several of Antony's potential suitors stalled. Several factors played a role in preventing a move to a club other than Manchester United.

• Transfer Fee Disagreements: The asking price set by Ajax was a significant hurdle for some clubs. The financial implications of the transfer proved to be a major stumbling block in negotiations.
• Player Preferences: While not explicitly confirmed, it's plausible that Antony himself had preferences regarding his next club, potentially influencing the direction of the negotiations.
• Managerial Fit: The style of play and the tactical systems employed by different managers also likely played a part in Antony’s decision-making process.

Manchester United's Winning Bid: How They Secured the Signing

Ultimately, Manchester United emerged as the frontrunners and secured Antony's signature. Their persistence and willingness to meet Ajax's demands proved decisive.

• The Decisive Bid: Manchester United submitted a compelling offer that satisfied Ajax’s valuation of the player, including add-ons.
• Agreement and Signing: The agreement was reached after intense negotiations, culminating in the official announcement of the transfer on deadline day.
• Antony's Reaction: The player's own enthusiasm for joining Manchester United clearly played a pivotal role in sealing the deal.

The Impact of Antony's Transfer on Manchester United and its Rivals

Antony's arrival significantly bolstered Manchester United's attacking options. For the clubs who missed out, the consequences were varied.

• Manchester United's Gain: Antony provided an immediate injection of pace, skill, and goals to the Manchester United attack, strengthening their overall squad strength.
• Rivals' Missed Opportunity: The clubs who failed to secure Antony’s services missed out on adding a highly talented player to their ranks, potentially impacting their own Premier League ambitions. The impact could have been significant, altering team dynamics and tactical approaches.

Conclusion: Antony's Journey and the What-Ifs of a Premier League Transfer

Antony’s transfer saga highlights the complex dynamics of the modern transfer market. The near-misses with several Premier League giants illustrate how circumstances, negotiations, and player preference can dramatically shape a player's destiny. The "what ifs" are plentiful: How would Liverpool's attack have looked with Antony? Could Manchester City have integrated him into their already star-studded squad? Ultimately, Antony's journey led him to Manchester United, creating a new chapter in his career and significantly impacting the Premier League. Share your thoughts on this captivating transfer saga in the comments below! Read more about Antony transfer, Manchester United rivals, and Premier League transfers on our site.