Antony's Almost Move To Manchester United's Biggest Rivals

Kenji Nakamura

4 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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Why Manchester City Were Initially Linked with Antony

Manchester City's interest in Antony stemmed from a clear need for a dynamic right-winger and the Brazilian's exceptional performances at Ajax. Antony's skillset, characterized by his lightning-fast dribbling, precise crosses, and an eye for goal, perfectly aligned with Pep Guardiola's tactical preferences. In the 2021-2022 season alone, Antony scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists for Ajax, showcasing his ability to both create and finish chances. His performances consistently caught the eye of scouts and analysts, solidifying his reputation as one of Europe's most promising young wingers.

• Pep Guardiola's admiration for Antony's dribbling ability and attacking flair: Guardiola is known for his preference for technically gifted players with a high football IQ, and Antony clearly fit the bill.
• City's scouting network identifying Antony as a potential long-term solution: Manchester City's extensive scouting network had identified Antony as a player capable of filling a crucial role in their squad for years to come.
• The potential departure of existing wingers creating a vacancy in the squad: With potential outgoings in the squad, a high-quality winger was identified as a priority signing, and Antony was firmly on the shortlist.

The Roadblocks to a Manchester City Transfer

Despite initial links, several obstacles prevented Antony from joining Manchester City. The primary roadblock was Ajax's high valuation of their prized asset. They demanded a substantial transfer fee, reflecting Antony's talent and their own reluctance to sell one of their key players. This valuation proved to be a stumbling block for Manchester City, who were unwilling to meet the demands, particularly given the competition from other top European clubs vying for his signature. Furthermore, negotiations regarding personal terms may also have played a role in the breakdown of talks.

• Ajax's high valuation of Antony: Ajax were understandably keen to maximize their profit on a player who had consistently impressed. The reported fee significantly exceeded City's initial offer.
• Manchester City's reluctance to meet Ajax's demands: City are known for their shrewd financial management and were unwilling to overpay for a player, even one as talented as Antony.
• Competition from other top European clubs: Several other clubs, recognizing Antony's potential, were also interested, increasing the pressure on City and forcing them to reconsider their approach.
• Potential concerns regarding Antony's adaptation to the Premier League: The intensity and physicality of the Premier League might have been another factor considered by City's management.

Manchester United's Successful Pursuit of Antony

Manchester United's acquisition of Antony was largely attributed to the influence of Erik ten Hag. Having managed Antony at Ajax, ten Hag possessed a deep understanding of the player's abilities and personality. This pre-existing relationship proved crucial in persuading Antony to join Manchester United, despite the allure of Manchester City. Furthermore, United demonstrated a willingness to meet Ajax's asking price, a key factor in securing the deal. Antony's personal preference for reuniting with his former manager at Old Trafford ultimately proved decisive.

• Erik ten Hag's influence in persuading Antony to join Manchester United: The manager's personal connection and understanding of the player played a significant role.
• Manchester United's willingness to meet Ajax's asking price: United’s willingness to pay the fee played a key role in sealing the deal.
• Antony's personal preference for reuniting with his former manager: The comfort and familiarity of working with ten Hag again likely swayed his decision.

The Impact of Antony's Choice on Both Clubs

Antony's decision to join Manchester United significantly impacted both clubs. For Manchester United, his arrival provided a much-needed boost in attacking firepower and a player who perfectly fitted ten Hag's tactical system. For Manchester City, missing out on Antony forced them to re-evaluate their transfer strategy and explore alternative options to strengthen their right-wing position. While City ultimately secured other players, Antony's near-miss highlighted a crucial element of their transfer strategy: a refusal to overspend.

Conclusion

The almost-move of Antony to Manchester City remains a fascinating footnote in the summer transfer window. While Manchester City's interest was genuine and based on Antony's undeniable talent, a combination of factors – including Ajax's high valuation, competition from other clubs, and Manchester City's financial prudence – ultimately prevented the transfer from happening. Manchester United, leveraging Erik ten Hag's personal connection and a willingness to meet Ajax's demands, successfully secured Antony's signature. What do you think would have happened if he had joined Manchester City instead? Share your thoughts in the comments below using #AntonyTransfer #ManCity #ManUtd #PremierLeague.