Antony On His Almost Move To A Manchester United Nemesis

Luna Greco

4 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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The Near-Miss Transfer: Which Club Almost Snapped Up Antony?

The club that almost secured Antony's signature before Manchester United was Liverpool. Reports throughout the summer of 2022 suggested strong interest from Liverpool, who were reportedly looking to bolster their attacking options. Speculation placed potential transfer fees in the region of £60-£80 million, reflecting Antony’s burgeoning reputation and undeniable talent at Ajax. The timeline of events paints a picture of intense negotiations.

• Initial contact between Liverpool and Ajax: Early reports indicated that Liverpool made direct contact with Ajax representatives, expressing their strong interest in the young Brazilian.
• Antony's personal preferences and ambitions: While the financial package offered by Liverpool was undoubtedly lucrative, it appears Antony's personal ambitions played a significant role. The lure of playing in a specific tactical system may have influenced his decision.
• Negotiation breakdowns (key reasons for failure): The key reason for the collapse of negotiations is believed to be a combination of factors. While financial details haven't been fully disclosed, disagreements over the transfer fee and potentially the structure of the deal are likely contributing factors. Ajax's determination to retain their prized asset also played a crucial part.

Antony's Decision: Why Manchester United?

Ultimately, Antony chose Manchester United, and several factors contributed to this decision. One of the most significant was the presence of Erik ten Hag. Ten Hag had previously managed Antony at Ajax, fostering a strong relationship and understanding of the player's capabilities.

• Ten Hag's tactical system and Antony's role within it: Ten Hag's tactical system at Manchester United seemed perfectly suited to Antony's skillset, promising a key role and ample opportunities for him to shine.
• The club's ambitious project and potential for silverware: Manchester United, under new management, presented a compelling vision of ambition and a return to the top of English and European football, a project Antony clearly wanted to be a part of.
• The financial aspects of the deal: While the financial package from Liverpool was likely competitive, Manchester United ultimately managed to meet Ajax's demands, securing the transfer.

The Impact on Both Clubs:

Had Antony joined Liverpool, the impact on both clubs could have been significant. Liverpool's attacking options would have been considerably strengthened, potentially altering their overall squad dynamic and tactical approach. Manchester United, meanwhile, might have had to explore other options for a right-winger.

• Strengthening of rival squad versus Man Utd's current strength: Liverpool's already strong attack would have been even more potent. For Manchester United, Antony's arrival added a unique skillset and attacking prowess, supplementing their existing talent.
• Alternative transfer targets for both clubs: The missed opportunity forced both clubs to adapt their transfer strategies. Liverpool might have pursued other targets, and Manchester United's success in securing Antony underlines their ambition and decisive action.
• Long-term strategic implications for both clubs: Antony's choice ultimately shaped the long-term strategic direction of both clubs. Manchester United bolstered their squad with a key player, while Liverpool’s missed acquisition shaped their subsequent transfer dealings.

Antony's Career Trajectory and Future Prospects:

Since joining Manchester United, Antony has shown glimpses of his undeniable talent, though consistency has been a challenge.

• Statistics and key contributions since joining: While his goals and assists tally may not be staggering, his impact on the game, through dribbling and creating opportunities, has been visible.
• Areas for improvement in his game: Consistency and decision-making in the final third remain areas where Antony can improve.
• Predictions for his future at Manchester United: With his age and talent, Antony has the potential to become a key figure at Manchester United for years to come, provided he maintains his development and showcases consistent high performance.

Conclusion:

The near-miss transfer of Antony to Liverpool highlights the complexities and intricacies of the modern football transfer market. Antony's ultimate decision to join Manchester United, driven by personal ambitions, managerial relationships, and the club's overall vision, significantly impacted both clubs' strategic directions. His journey at Manchester United is still unfolding, presenting a fascinating case study in the world of football transfers. Learn more about Antony's journey and impact at Manchester United. Deep dive into the complete story of Antony and his Manchester United career by subscribing to our newsletter for the latest football news and transfer gossip!