Antony On His Close Call Joining Man Utd's Arch-Rivals

4 min read Post on May 23, 2025

Antony On His Close Call Joining Man Utd's Arch-Rivals

The Liverpool & Arsenal Links: Why Antony Almost Joined United's Arch-Rivals

Antony's transfer saga wasn't solely a Manchester United story. Both Liverpool and Arsenal were strongly linked with the talented winger, creating a captivating "what if" scenario for football fans.

Liverpool's Interest & Failed Pursuit

Liverpool, renowned for their attacking prowess, were reportedly keen to bolster their wide options. Their scouting network had identified Antony as a potential game-changer, a player capable of injecting pace and flair into their forward line. Negotiations between Liverpool and Ajax are believed to have taken place, but ultimately, a deal couldn't be struck.

Reported transfer fee disagreements: Ajax reportedly held a firm valuation of Antony, a price that Liverpool were unwilling or unable to meet.
Competition from other clubs vying for his signature: Manchester United's aggressive pursuit played a significant role, creating fierce competition for Antony's signature.
Antony's preference for a different club: Reports suggest that Antony prioritized a reunion with his former Ajax manager, Erik ten Hag, at Manchester United.

Arsenal's Potential Bid & Its Demise

Arsenal, another club aiming to strengthen their attacking options, were also linked with Antony. However, unlike Liverpool, concrete reports of a formal bid remained scarce. Several factors likely contributed to Arsenal’s failure to secure Antony:

Arsenal's focus on other transfer targets: Arsenal's transfer strategy might have prioritized other players, resulting in a shift in focus away from Antony.
Financial limitations: Arsenal's financial resources might have restricted their ability to compete with the financial muscle of Manchester United and, potentially, Liverpool.
Managerial preference for different players: Managerial preferences often play a crucial role in transfer decisions. Arsenal's then-manager might have preferred other players who better suited his tactical approach.

The Decisive Factor: Why Manchester United Won the Race for Antony's Signature

Ultimately, Manchester United emerged victorious in the race for Antony's signature. Several key factors contributed to this outcome:

Erik ten Hag's Influence

The presence of Erik ten Hag at Manchester United proved to be a pivotal factor. Ten Hag's prior relationship with Antony at Ajax provided a significant advantage, fostering a level of trust and understanding that other clubs couldn't match. This connection likely played a crucial role in Antony's decision-making process.

United's Financial Prowess

Manchester United demonstrated their financial muscle, meeting Ajax's demands for a substantial transfer fee and offering Antony a lucrative contract. This financial strength enabled them to outbid their rivals, securing Antony's services.

Project & Ambition

Manchester United presented a compelling vision of the future, outlining their ambitions and the project they were building under Ten Hag. This long-term outlook, coupled with the opportunity to play for a club of Manchester United's stature, proved attractive to the young Brazilian winger.

Personal relationship with Erik ten Hag: This pre-existing connection played a key role in Antony's decision.
Higher wages offered: Manchester United's financial resources allowed them to offer a highly competitive salary.
Attractive project and ambitions for the club: The chance to be part of a rebuilding project at a top club was alluring for Antony.

The "What If?" Scenario: Antony at Liverpool or Arsenal – A Hypothetical Impact on the Premier League

Had Antony joined Liverpool or Arsenal, the Premier League landscape could have looked significantly different.

Strengthened attacking options for Liverpool/Arsenal: Antony's pace, skill, and goalscoring ability would have instantly strengthened either team's attack.
Potential impact on the Premier League table: A player of Antony's caliber could have significantly impacted the title race, potentially altering the final standings.
Altered dynamic within each squad: Antony's arrival would have created competition for places and potentially shifted the dynamics within the respective squads. His presence might have influenced tactical approaches and team formations.

Conclusion

Antony's transfer saga was a thrilling chapter in the summer transfer window. While Liverpool and Arsenal made their interest known, ultimately, it was Erik ten Hag's influence, coupled with Manchester United's financial strength and ambitious project, that secured the Brazilian's signature. The "what if" scenario remains a topic of fascination for fans, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the transfer market. Antony's near misses with other Premier League giants showcase the intense competition for top talent.

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