Manchester United are going to have to pay ‘over and over the odds’ to sign Ajax winger Antony, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.
The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the 22-year-old throughout the summer, but he is now expected to cost a premium price following the Amsterdam outfit’s fire sale.
What is the latest news involving Antony?
A recent report from GOAL revealed that United have offered €60 million (£51m) for Antony but the Ajax hierarchy are holding out for a fee closer to €80m (£68m).
Alfred Schreuder, Erik ten Hag’s successor in the Johan Cruyff ArenA dugout, has publicly expressed his desire to keep hold of the Brazil international, indicating the size of the task that United face.
“It is clear that we want to keep that boy. I think he still has a contract until 2025,” Schreuder said. “I really want to work with him; he knows that, and the club knows that too.”
Ten Hag is closing in on the signature of Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez, though, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reporting that a €55m (£46.6m) deal has been agreed.
Martinez will join the likes of Sebastien Haller, Ryan Gravenberch and Andre Onana in departing the Eredivisie champions during the current transfer window.
What has Talbot said about Antony?
Talbot believes that the Old Trafford outfit will have to pay a premium price for Antony as Ajax have already lost a number of their star performers.
In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “Man United are going to have to pay over and over the odds to get anywhere near Antony.
“I think they were quoted €80 million, and to be honest, it’s fair enough, to be honest. They can’t let another one go, another star player.”
Is Antony worth the money?
A £68m exit would make Antony the third most expensive player to depart the Eredivisie behind only Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt.
It would also make the South American sensation United’s fifth most expensive purchase, so it’s clearly a deal that Ten Hag and the club’s hierarchy need to carefully consider.
In 78 appearances across all competitions for Ajax, Antony has registered 22 goals and 20 assists, claiming two league titles and one Dutch Cup along the way.
Whether that is enough to convince United to pay his sizeable asking valuation remains to be seen, and it’s a decision that will not be taken lightly.
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