The Untold Story: Antony And His Near Move To Manchester United's Rivals

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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Potential Destinations Before Manchester United

Liverpool's Interest

Before Antony ultimately signed for Manchester United, reports and rumors strongly linked him with a move to Liverpool. The Antony transfer was heavily speculated in the media, with several journalists claiming Liverpool showed significant interest. Their potential interest stemmed from their need for a high-quality winger to add pace and attacking threat to their lineup. Antony's exceptional dribbling skills, pace, and goal-scoring potential made him an attractive option for Jurgen Klopp's side. However, the move never materialized.

• Evidence of interest: Numerous articles in reputable football outlets reported Liverpool's scouting of Antony and their attempts to initiate negotiations.
• Reasons for Liverpool's interest: Liverpool needed to bolster their attacking options, and Antony’s skillset perfectly aligned with their style of play. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one and create chances would have been a valuable asset.
• Why the move didn't happen: The reasons remain unclear, but factors like competition from other clubs, transfer fee negotiations, or a change in Liverpool’s transfer priorities may have played a role.

Other Premier League Rivals

While Liverpool's interest was the most prominent, whispers also linked Antony with other top Premier League clubs such as Chelsea FC and Manchester City. However, concrete evidence for these links remains scarce. Speculation often arose based on Antony’s reputation and the clubs’ need for attacking talent.

• Chelsea FC: The possibility of Antony joining Chelsea FC was largely based on speculation, with little to no credible reporting to support the claims.
• Manchester City FC: Similarly, links with Manchester City were largely hypothetical, given their already strong attacking options.
• Reasons for lack of materialize: The lack of substantial reporting suggests that serious negotiations with these clubs never progressed.

The Role of Agents and Negotiations

The complex world of football agents and transfer negotiations played a significant role in shaping Antony's eventual move. The intricacies of contract details, agent fees, and the competing interests of multiple clubs all contributed to the drawn-out process.

• Agents involved: While specific agents remain largely undisclosed, their influence on negotiations and the direction of Antony's career is undeniable.
• Challenges in negotiations: Transfer fees, wages, and release clauses are just some of the obstacles that complicate these high-profile deals. The negotiations likely involved intense back-and-forth between different parties.
• Impact on the final decision: The expertise (or lack thereof) of agents, along with the success or failure of negotiations, significantly impacted which club Antony ultimately chose.

Antony's Profile and Playing Style

Why He Was So Sought After

Antony's exceptional talent and unique skillset explain why multiple top clubs pursued him. His attributes made him a highly sought-after prospect.

• Technical skills: Antony possesses outstanding ball control, excellent close control, and exceptional dribbling ability.
• Pace: His blistering pace allows him to quickly get behind defenses and create scoring opportunities.
• Dribbling skills: His ability to beat defenders one-on-one is a key strength, making him a constant threat going forward.
• Goal-scoring potential: He’s a regular goal scorer, demonstrating a keen eye for goal and a composed finishing style.
• Tactical versatility: Antony can play on either flank, offering tactical flexibility for managers.

Fitting into Different Systems

Antony's dynamic playing style could have been adapted to various tactical systems.

• Comparison with rival players: His direct style of play could have complemented players like Mohamed Salah at Liverpool or Raheem Sterling at Chelsea.
• Tactical analysis: His ability to cut inside onto his stronger foot makes him a threat to any defense regardless of formation.

The Manchester United Decision: The Why and How

Erik ten Hag's Influence

Erik ten Hag's influence was pivotal in bringing Antony to Manchester United. Their shared history at Ajax Amsterdam, where they enjoyed a successful partnership, significantly impacted the decision.

• Shared history at Ajax: Ten Hag's familiarity with Antony's abilities and his understanding of his playing style played a crucial role.
• Ten Hag's tactical system: Antony’s skillset perfectly fitted within Ten Hag’s tactical approach and desired playing style at United.
• Antony's familiarity with the manager: The existing trust and understanding between player and manager streamlined the transfer process.

The Final Deal and its Ramifications

The final transfer to Manchester United involved a substantial fee, securing Antony’s services for the Red Devils.

• Transfer fee: The high transfer fee underscores Antony's value and the intense competition for his signature.
• Contract length: The duration of the contract indicates Manchester United's commitment to the player.
• Impact on the team: Antony's arrival has provided a boost to Manchester United’s attacking options.
• Antony's performance at United: His contributions have been impactful, showing glimpses of his immense potential.

Conclusion: The Antony Transfer Saga – A Near Miss for Manchester United's Rivals

The Antony transfer saga highlights a fascinating near miss for several of Manchester United's rivals. Liverpool’s strong interest, along with speculation surrounding Chelsea and Manchester City, demonstrates the high demand for his talents. Ultimately, the combination of Erik ten Hag's influence, Antony's familiarity with the manager's style, and the allure of Manchester United proved decisive. The transfer's ramifications have been significant for both the player and the club. What do you think? Could Antony have thrived at another Premier League giant? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Learn more about Antony's journey and his impact at Manchester United by exploring our other articles.