Manchester United are confident they can make Ajax striker Antony the fifth signing of Erik Ten Hag’s regime after agreeing to pay the Dutch club £84m, and could also go for PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo, he understands Express Sport. Ajax have remained steadfast in their high valuation despite the player making it clear he wanted to join his former manager at Old Trafford.
A £76m bid was rejected by the Eredivisie champions last week despite the player trying to force the club’s hand not to train or feature in matchday squads. Antony missed Sunday’s game with FC Utrecht, the second game in a row he has missed.
Negotiations are still ongoing over the final details of United’s bid. But the Brazil international is expected to become Ten Hag’s fifth summer signing before the window closes on Thursday. At £84million, it is believed the Ajax board will not stand in the way of him becoming United’s second most expensive transfer behind only Paul Pogba.
Only three players in Premier League history – Jack Grealish at Manchester City, Romelu Lukaku at Chelsea and Pogba at United – have gone for more money. Antony also breaks the Dutch transfer record.
Frenkie de Jong’s £73m move to Barcelona was previously the biggest ever spent on an Eredivisie player. De Jong was of course a major target for the Red Devils this summer, but they have been unsuccessful in their pursuit.
United have brought four players to Old Trafford this summer with Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen. Ten Hag are also understood to be open to signing Cody Gakpo from PSV.
The Dutch giants missed out on Champions League qualification after being beaten by Rangers and the Dutch striker told ESPN on Sunday after the 6-1 win over Excelsior: “There are other options as well, United is a serious option. I’m sorry. Everything. I try to close myself off, but it’s hard.”
Meanwhile, Antony said of his future in an interview with Fabrizio Romano last week: “In June this year I interrupted my holiday and came in person to inform the Ajax managers, including the new coach, about my desire to leave and that they should consider that possibility because it was a two-season project.
“During the window months, the meetings continued and I also received a proposal from Ajax to renew the contract. I made it clear once again: I want to leave. Today, in a meeting with the club, I expressed my former interest in leaving, only this time with a sizeable offer on the table.
“Others had already arrived, Ajax refused with the argument that they only have five days to replace me. I was very happy in Amsterdam, won titles at Ajax, made friends and built part of my career, but now I reinforce that I am ready and full of motivation to follow my story and my dreams.
“I hope Ajax fans will understand me… because the future of a football player is something totally uncertain and opportunities can be unique. My message is one of thanks to Ajax, the club and the fans.
“I am not asking Ajax to release me, I am asking Ajax to sell me with the highest offer ever for an Eredivisie player. I have been insisting on this issue since February so that the club can rebuild the team with peace of mind.”
Antony’s impending move to Old Trafford will see Hakim Ziyech return to Ajax from Chelsea. The Moroccan player will be Antony’s direct replacement after two seasons at Stamford Bridge.