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Ajax have reportedly rejected Manchester United’s opening bid for winger Antony in the ongoing summer window.
Manchester United offered $61 million for Antony, but Ajax wants a transfer fee of $81 million, reported Goal.com. Antony’s agent has been in Europe since the end of the last season to complete his client’s move to Old Trafford.
Ajax are quoting such a high price even though Antony’s current market value is just around $37 million, according to Transfermarkt. The fact that the 22-year-old winger is contracted with Ajax until 2025 has given the Amsterdam-based club leverage to negotiate his transfer fee as per their wishes. In addition, Ajax’s new head coach Alfred Schreuder wants the young forward to stay ahead of the new term.
“It is clear that we want to keep that boy. I think he still has a contract until 2025. I really want to work with him; he knows that, and the club knows that too,” Schreuder reportedly told ESPN.
However, the player’s desire to join Manchester United could make a difference in this case and his representatives are trying to convince Ajax to lower their demands.
In 33 competitive appearances for Ajax last season, Antony netted 12 goals and provided 10 assists. Out of the 12 goals, eight came in his 23 league appearances as Ajax were crowned the Eredivisie champions.
Antony moved from Sao Paulo to Ajax at $22 million in the summer of 2020. The Brazilian winger made an instant impact at the Dutch club, which is one of the main reasons behind Ajax’s high demands.
Photo: Reuters / Phil Noble
Antony scored 22 goals and provided 20 assists in 79 appearances for Ajax across two seasons. He won three trophies with the Johan Cruijff ArenA side, including two back-to-back league titles.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have not won a trophy since their Europa League win in the 2016-17 season. Coincidently, the Red Devils won the final 2-0 against Ajax. In fact, the Red Devils failed to finish in the top four last season in the Premier League and were once again dropped down to the second-tier European competition Europa League.
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