Revealed: Antony's Almost Transfer To A Manchester United Rival

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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The football world was abuzz with the summer transfer window's whirlwind activity. While many eyes were on the big-name signings, a fascinating subplot unfolded: the almost-transfer of Brazilian winger Antony, a player who had lit up Ajax with his dazzling skills, to a surprise destination—a Manchester United rival. This article delves into the untold story of Antony's near miss, revealing the unexpected connection and its impact on the Premier League landscape.

The Manchester City Connection

The whispers began circulating: Manchester City, reigning Premier League champions and known for their meticulous scouting network, were intensely interested in securing Antony's services. The Antony Manchester City connection, though ultimately unsuccessful, was a significant development in the summer transfer saga.

• Extensive Scouting: Reports suggested that Manchester City scouts were frequently present at Ajax games, meticulously observing Antony's electrifying performances. Their detailed scouting reports painted a picture of a player who could potentially revolutionize their attack.
• Contact with Antony's Agent: Rumours of contact between Manchester City representatives and Antony's agent further fueled speculation. Discussions were reportedly held regarding the potential terms of a transfer, indicating a serious interest from the Etihad Stadium.
• Potential Transfer Fee: While the exact figures remain unconfirmed, reports suggested a substantial transfer fee was being discussed, reflecting Antony's growing reputation and market value. This Antony Manchester City transfer bid would likely have broken the bank for a player not yet fully established in the Premier League.
• Strategic Fit: Antony's style of play, characterized by his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to cut inside from the wing, seemed to perfectly align with Pep Guardiola's tactical preferences. Acquiring him would have potentially added a new dimension to Manchester City's already formidable attacking options.

Why the Transfer Didn't Happen

Despite the considerable interest from Manchester City, the Antony Manchester City deal ultimately fell through. Several factors contributed to the collapse of this potential transfer:

• High Transfer Fee Demands: Ajax, recognizing Antony's immense talent, reportedly demanded a significantly high transfer fee. This proved to be a stumbling block for Manchester City, who were unwilling to meet their demands. The Antony Ajax contract negotiations proved far more challenging than initially expected.
• Intense Competition: Manchester United, long-time admirers of Antony, emerged as fierce competitors, ultimately winning the race for his signature. Their persistent pursuit and willingness to meet Ajax's demands tipped the scales in their favor.
• Antony's Personal Preferences: While not officially confirmed, there are suggestions that Antony's personal preferences may have played a role. Perhaps the lure of playing under Erik ten Hag, his former manager at Ajax, was too strong to resist. The Manchester United Antony transfer had a strong sentimental aspect.
• Shifting Transfer Priorities: It's speculated that Manchester City might have shifted their transfer priorities, focusing their resources on other targets considered a more immediate need for the team.
• Lack of Agreement on Personal Terms: Negotiations regarding personal terms, such as salary and contract length, might not have reached a mutually agreeable solution. This often-overlooked aspect is a crucial component of complex football transfer negotiations.

The Impact on Manchester United

The failed Antony Manchester City transfer had a significant ripple effect, particularly for Manchester United.

• Transfer Strategy: The near-miss for Manchester City likely influenced Manchester United's own transfer strategy, reinforcing their determination to secure Antony's services at any cost.
• Negotiation Dynamics: It's plausible that knowing Manchester City were out of the race gave Manchester United a slight edge in negotiations with Ajax, potentially resulting in a slightly more favorable deal. The Antony Manchester United transfer ultimately became a crucial signing for the club.
• Benefitting from City's Absence: The absence of competition from a major Premier League rival like Manchester City undoubtedly eased the path for Manchester United to complete the transfer, eliminating a significant hurdle in their pursuit of Antony.

Antony's Current Situation at Manchester United

Since joining Manchester United, Antony has shown glimpses of his undeniable talent, though consistency has been a challenge. He has contributed with goals and assists, but there's still more to come from the young Brazilian. The Antony Manchester United performance has been a mixed bag, but the potential is undeniably there.

Conclusion

The Antony transfer saga, with its surprising near-miss to Manchester City, serves as a compelling reminder of the unpredictable nature of the football transfer market. The interplay of transfer fees, competition between clubs, personal preferences, and strategic priorities ultimately determined Antony's destination. This almost transfer highlights the complexities and nuances involved in the high-stakes world of Premier League transfers, and its implications for both Manchester City and Manchester United were significant. This Antony Manchester City transfer, despite not materializing, significantly impacted the narrative of the summer transfer window.

What are your thoughts on Antony's near-miss transfer to a Manchester United rival? Share your comments below! Stay tuned for more breaking news and in-depth analysis on the biggest football transfers.