The Time Antony Almost Joined Manchester United's Biggest Rivals

Omar Yusuf

4 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

4.7

Share

Antony's Rise Through Ajax's Ranks

Antony's journey to the cusp of Premier League stardom began at Ajax. His rapid ascent from a promising youth player to a key figure in the Eredivisie showcased his exceptional talent and potential. His explosive pace, skillful dribbling, and eye for goal made him a highly sought-after commodity in the transfer market.

• Impressive Goalscoring Record: Antony consistently delivered crucial goals for Ajax, showcasing his ability to impact games at the highest level. His goal contributions were vital to Ajax's success in both domestic and European competitions.
• Key Matches That Showcased His Talent: Several standout performances cemented his reputation. Matches against high-profile opponents where he shone brightly, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure, caught the attention of top European clubs.
• Playing Style and Strengths: Antony's dynamic style, characterized by his ability to beat defenders with ease and deliver precise crosses, made him a potent attacking threat. His direct running style, coupled with his technical ability, made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Manchester City's Initial Interest and Negotiations

Manchester City, under the watchful eye of Pep Guardiola, identified Antony as a player who could significantly strengthen their squad. Their initial interest manifested in extensive scouting and a formal approach to Ajax. Negotiations began, focusing on the transfer fee, a critical aspect of any high-profile transfer.

• Reported Transfer Fee: Reports suggested a substantial transfer fee was discussed, reflecting Antony's growing market value and Ajax's determination to secure a significant return on their investment.
• Pep Guardiola's Role: It's widely believed that Guardiola himself played a crucial role in the pursuit, recognizing Antony's potential fit within City's attacking system.
• Challenges and Obstacles: While the initial approach seemed promising, City faced undisclosed challenges during negotiations. These hurdles, which remain largely speculative, ultimately proved insurmountable, derailing the potential transfer.

Why the Transfer to Manchester City Fell Through

Despite City's strong interest and initial negotiations, the transfer ultimately collapsed. While precise details remain elusive, several factors likely contributed to the deal's failure.

• Key Reasons for the Deal's Failure: Speculation suggests disagreements over the transfer fee and potential add-ons could have been a significant sticking point. Other factors, such as Ajax's reluctance to sell one of their key players mid-season, might have also played a role.
• Alternative Clubs Considered: Although not publicly confirmed, it’s possible Antony had other clubs in mind, potentially influencing his decision to not join Manchester City. This adds another layer of intrigue to the already complex saga.
• Impact on City and Ajax: The failed transfer undoubtedly had repercussions for both clubs. Manchester City missed out on a potentially valuable asset, while Ajax retained a key player, albeit for a shorter period than initially anticipated.

Antony's Subsequent Move to Manchester United

Following the breakdown of negotiations with Manchester City, Antony's transfer to Manchester United materialized. This move, orchestrated by his former Ajax manager, Erik ten Hag, was seen by many as a direct consequence of the near-miss with City.

• Final Transfer Fee: Manchester United secured Antony's services for a considerable fee, indicating their commitment to bolstering their attacking options.
• Erik ten Hag's Influence: The presence of ten Hag, who had already worked with Antony at Ajax, played a crucial role in persuading the player to move to Old Trafford.
• Antony's Initial Performance at Manchester United: His early performances at Manchester United provided glimpses of his talent, but establishing himself as a regular starter took time.

Conclusion

The near-miss transfer of Antony to Manchester City remains a fascinating chapter in the unpredictable world of football transfers. This saga, showcasing the complex interplay of player preference, club negotiations, and unforeseen circumstances, ultimately resulted in Antony joining Manchester United, their biggest rivals – a twist few could have predicted. What are your thoughts on Antony's almost transfer to Manchester City? Share your opinions in the comments below!