Antony's Near Transfer To Manchester United's Biggest Rivals

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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The Clubs Involved: Manchester United and Their Rivals

Manchester United's Pursuit of Antony

Manchester United's interest in Antony was no secret. Erik ten Hag, having previously managed Antony at Ajax, was keen to reunite with the Brazilian winger, believing his pace, trickery, and goal-scoring ability would significantly bolster United's attacking options. The pursuit was intense:

• July 2022: Early reports emerge linking Antony with a move to Old Trafford.
• August 2022: Manchester United make their first official bid, reportedly around £67 million. This figure is later deemed insufficient by Ajax.
• August - September 2022: A protracted negotiation ensues, with Manchester United submitting several improved bids. Sources suggest the final offer reached around £80-£90 million, including add-ons.
• September 2022: Manchester United finally secure Antony's signature.

The club's need for a right-winger was evident. Their existing options lacked the same explosive threat and direct dribbling skills that Antony possesses. This transfer aligned perfectly with Manchester United's broader transfer strategy of rebuilding their squad with young, talented players under the guidance of Ten Hag.

The Rival Club's Unexpected Bid: Liverpool's Surprise Interest

While Manchester United's pursuit of Antony dominated headlines, a rival club entered the fray, unexpectedly throwing a wrench into the works: Liverpool. While not publicly confirmed, credible reports suggested that Liverpool, sensing an opportunity, made a late bid for Antony, hoping to capitalize on any potential breakdown in negotiations between Antony and Manchester United.

Liverpool's interest was surprising, considering their already-strong attacking line-up. However, some analysts suggested they viewed Antony as a potential long-term replacement or a versatile addition to their squad. Reports suggested:

• A bid of approximately £70 million was submitted by Liverpool, though considerably later than Manchester United’s initial approaches.
• The timeline of their approach was crucial, attempting to hijack a deal already in advanced stages.
• There's no evidence of direct contact with Antony himself, suggesting a more opportunistic approach by Liverpool.

The potential impact on Liverpool's squad dynamics would have been significant, adding another dimension to their already formidable attack. However, it ultimately never came to fruition.

Key Factors Leading to the Failed Transfer (to Liverpool)

Transfer Fee Negotiations

The primary stumbling block was the transfer fee. Ajax were adamant about securing a high fee for their prized asset. The reported discrepancies between Manchester United's and Liverpool's offers, coupled with Ajax's valuation, created a significant hurdle. The roles of agents and intermediaries further complicated matters, adding layers of negotiation and potentially influencing the final outcome. Each club's financial constraints also likely played a role.

Antony's Preferences

While there's no concrete evidence to suggest Antony actively preferred one club over the other, it is plausible that the uncertainty and prolonged nature of the negotiations may have influenced his decision-making. Media speculation surrounding the competing bids undoubtedly added pressure. Any public statement from Antony or his representatives regarding his preferences remained elusive, fueling the speculation.

Other Contributing Factors

• Timing: Liverpool's late entry into the bidding war significantly impacted the situation. The timing meant they couldn't match the level of engagement Manchester United already established with the player.
• Ajax's Strategy: Ajax likely prioritized the highest possible fee, potentially contributing to the delay and ultimately leading to Manchester United securing the deal.

The Aftermath and Future Implications

Impact on Manchester United

The successful acquisition of Antony ultimately bolstered Manchester United's attacking prowess. The near-miss transfer saga served as a reminder of the competitive nature of the transfer market and the importance of decisive action. There were no significant changes in strategy post the successful transfer.

Impact on Liverpool

Liverpool's failed bid had minimal lasting impact on their transfer policy. They went on to pursue other targets, ultimately strengthening their squad in other areas.

Antony's Current Situation

Antony's move to Manchester United proved to be successful, with the winger contributing significantly. He continues to develop his career at a high level.

Conclusion

The "Antony Manchester United transfer" saga serves as a compelling case study in the complexities of modern football transfers. The near-miss transfer to a rival club highlights the intense competition and strategic maneuvering involved in securing top talent. The high transfer fee, Antony's preferences (or lack thereof publicly), and the rival club's late but serious interest were all critical factors in the eventual outcome. What are your thoughts on Antony's near Manchester United transfer? Discuss the impact of this almost transfer on both clubs, and share your predictions for Antony's future. Let's continue the discussion using #AntonyTransferSaga and #ManchesterUnitedAntonyNews.