Almost A Red Devil: Antony's Near Transfer To Manchester United's Rivals

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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Antony's Early Career and Rise to Prominence

Antony's journey to Old Trafford began long before the intense summer of 2022. His early career at São Paulo showcased raw talent and exceptional potential, quickly attracting the attention of scouts across Europe. He honed his skills in the competitive Brazilian league, demonstrating his electrifying pace, close ball control, and ability to beat defenders one-on-one. This raw talent translated seamlessly to Ajax in the Eredivisie and Champions League, where he further refined his game.

His performances for Ajax were nothing short of spectacular, attracting interest from top clubs across the continent.

• Goals and assists for Ajax: He consistently contributed goals and assists, becoming a key player in Ajax's attacking strategy. His statistics spoke volumes about his attacking prowess and his ability to create chances.
• Key moments showcasing his skill and potential: Several matches highlighted his exceptional talent, including dazzling performances against top-tier European opponents. These displays cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting young wingers in world football.
• Awards and accolades received: Recognition came in the form of individual awards and accolades, further emphasizing his rapid ascent to prominence within the football world. These achievements only fueled the intense competition for his signature.

Liverpool's Pursuit of Antony

Liverpool's interest in Antony was well documented. Their scouting network identified him as a player who could significantly enhance their attacking options. His direct style of play, ability to cut inside, and knack for creating chances aligned perfectly with Liverpool's high-pressing, attacking philosophy. However, the Antony Manchester United transfer ultimately prevailed.

• Specific details of Liverpool's reported bids: While exact figures remain unconfirmed, reports suggest Liverpool made several bids for the player. These bids, however, fell short of Ajax's valuation.
• Quotes from Liverpool-related sources: Journalists and insiders close to Liverpool commented on their interest, indicating the club's serious intent to secure Antony's services.
• Analysis of why the transfer might have failed: The most likely reason for the failure was the significant difference between Liverpool's offer and Ajax's asking price. Competition from other clubs, including Manchester United, further complicated the situation.

Other Near Misses: Chelsea and Manchester City's Interest

The Antony Manchester United transfer wasn't the only potential outcome. Both Chelsea and Manchester City also showed considerable interest in the young Brazilian. Their interest stemmed from a need to bolster their attacking options and Antony's undeniable talent. Chelsea were looking to improve their wide options while Manchester City saw him as a possible long-term replacement for their aging wingers.

• Reports from reliable sources on Chelsea and City's interest: Tier-one sources reported on the level of interest, indicating serious discussions between Antony's representatives and the clubs.
• Speculation on the transfer fee and potential obstacles: The high transfer fee demanded by Ajax was likely a major obstacle for both clubs. Other factors, such as competition for his signature and the player's preferences, could also have played a role.
• Comparison of Antony's style to existing players in those squads: While Antony's style could complement existing players, concerns might have been raised about integrating him seamlessly into the respective team dynamics.

The Manchester United Deal: Why the Red Devils Won the Race

Ultimately, Manchester United secured Antony's signature. Several factors contributed to their success: Erik ten Hag's relationship with Antony from their time together at Ajax played a pivotal role. The manager's influence, combined with Manchester United's financial capacity to meet Ajax's demands, proved decisive.

• Official announcement and confirmation of the transfer: The official announcement of the Antony Manchester United transfer marked a significant moment in the summer transfer window.
• Details of the transfer fee and contract length: The transfer fee was substantial, reflecting Antony's potential and the fierce competition for his services. The length of the contract secured his commitment to the club for several years.
• Erik ten Hag's influence on the transfer decision: Ten Hag's familiarity with Antony and his belief in the player’s abilities proved crucial in persuading him to move to Old Trafford.
• Antony's comments on joining Manchester United: Antony's statements after the transfer highlighted his enthusiasm to work with Ten Hag again and his ambition to succeed at Manchester United.

Conclusion

The Antony Manchester United transfer saga was a thrilling chapter in the summer of 2022. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City all came close to securing his signature, but ultimately, the Red Devils emerged victorious. The near misses highlight the intense competition for top talent in modern football and demonstrate how close Antony came to joining Manchester United's biggest rivals. While he ultimately became a Manchester United player, the journey almost took him down a vastly different path. Want to read more about surprising near-misses in the world of football transfers? Keep an eye out for more articles analyzing the intricate dealings behind high-profile player movements, including more on the Antony Manchester United Transfer saga.