Manchester – The English Premier League team announced Tuesday that it has struck a deal to recruit Brazilian striker Antony from Ajax.
Ajax announced that a 95 million euro (£81 million) transfer price had been agreed upon. The cost might total 100 million euros (£86 million) with add-ons.
According to the Dutch national news agency ANP, if the transaction is finalized, it would break the previous record for an Eredivisie player of 86 million euros set by Frenkie de Jong’s transfer from Ajax to Barcelona three years ago.
Antony has scored two goals in nine senior appearances for Brazil and 31 goals in 134 club games for Ajax and Sao Paulo.
The 22-year-old will be reunited with former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford after the latter lured defender Lisandro Martinez from the Dutch powerhouses to United.
By way of Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano on YouTube over the weekend, Antony made it clear that he intended to leave the team. “Since February of this year, my agents came to Amsterdam to inform Ajax of my desire to leave the club to face a new challenge and that some interested clubs would arrive and, with them, certainly a great offer,” he said.
“Meetings finished throughout the window months, and Ajax made a suggestion for a contract extension. I again stated my desire to quit the club.
“I reiterated my intention in leaving the club today in a meeting with the board, this time with a sizable offer on the table. Others have already come, but Ajax consistently objects, claiming it only has five days to find a replacement (me).
“I’m asking Ajax to sell me for the highest price received for a player who plays in the Eredivisie, not for them to release me,” the player said.
And Antony said: “In Amsterdam, I was content. At Ajax, I gained friends, created a portion of my career, and won championships. However, I want to reiterate that I am now prepared and motivated to continue my journey and pursue my objectives. My heart will always belong to Ajax.”
On Thursday night, the transfer market will shut as United travels to Leicester in search of its third straight Premier League triumph. Antony is not expected to play against the Foxes, who are now last in the standings.
After suffering embarrassing losses to Brentford and Brighton to begin the season, United rebounded with victories against Liverpool, 2-1, and Southampton, 1-0, last weekend.
During this transfer window, Casemiro, Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, and Christian Eriksen have already arrived at Old Trafford.
AFP