Revealed: Antony's Near Transfer To Manchester United's Rivals

Kenji Nakamura

5 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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The Manchester United Pursuit – A Battle Against the Clock

Manchester United's interest in Antony began early in the summer transfer window. Manager Erik ten Hag, who had previously coached Antony at Ajax, was keen to reunite with the talented winger, seeing him as a key piece in his rebuilding project. The pursuit, however, was far from straightforward.

• Initial contact with Ajax: Early negotiations were reported to be tense, with Ajax holding firm on their valuation of the player.
• Negotiation complexities and reported disagreements on price: The reported disagreements on price caused delays and prolonged the transfer saga, leading to intense speculation in the media. Several bids were reportedly rejected before a final agreement was reached.
• Erik ten Hag's influence on the transfer: Ten Hag's personal relationship with Antony and his strong advocacy for the player within Manchester United were crucial factors in the eventual successful transfer. His influence was undeniably key to persuading Antony to join Old Trafford.
• Timeline of negotiations, emphasizing the urgency: The urgency of the situation was palpable; Manchester United needed to bolster their attacking options, and Antony's signing became a priority as the transfer deadline approached. This urgency added to the drama surrounding the transfer.

Liverpool's Surprise Interest – A Potential Anfield Move?

While Manchester United were widely considered the frontrunners, reports emerged linking Liverpool with a surprise interest in Antony. This sparked considerable debate amongst football analysts. The reasons for Liverpool's alleged interest are multifaceted.

• Reports linking Liverpool with Antony: Several reputable sources reported Liverpool's scouting of Antony and their consideration of making a bid.
• Analysis of Liverpool's potential need for a player in Antony's position: With Liverpool's attacking options somewhat limited, Antony's pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability would have been a valuable addition to their squad.
• Factors that prevented a bid or further negotiations: The exact reasons why Liverpool didn't pursue Antony more aggressively remain unclear. It may be linked to their overall transfer strategy and budgetary limitations at the time.
• Expert opinions and quotes on the likelihood of a transfer: Expert opinions varied significantly, with some suggesting Liverpool's interest was genuine, while others believed it was merely speculative reporting.

Chelsea's Late Bid – A Last-Minute Scramble?

Adding another layer of intrigue to the Antony transfer saga were whispers of a late bid from Chelsea. While less prominent than the Manchester United and Liverpool interest, the rumour of Chelsea's late approach adds to the narrative of a hotly contested transfer battle.

• Evidence supporting Chelsea's late approach: While concrete evidence is limited, several reports hinted at Chelsea’s late attempts to hijack the deal. This suggests that they viewed Antony as a potential alternative option.
• Why Chelsea might have been interested in acquiring Antony: Chelsea were actively seeking attacking reinforcements, and Antony’s talent clearly made him an attractive prospect.
• Evaluation of their chances of success compared to Manchester United: Considering the established relationship between Antony and Ten Hag, and the strong desire from Manchester United, Chelsea's chances of success were always considered slim.
• Impact of Chelsea's transfer strategy on the Antony situation: Chelsea's late interest demonstrated the highly competitive nature of the transfer market and their willingness to pursue top talent even at a late stage.

The Decisive Factor – Why Manchester United Won the Race

Ultimately, Antony chose Manchester United. Several factors contributed to this decision, making it a complex equation beyond just the financial aspect.

• Antony's relationship with Erik ten Hag: The pre-existing relationship with his former manager played a significant role. The comfort and familiarity with Ten Hag’s tactical system were undeniably important factors.
• Manchester United's project and long-term plans: Manchester United presented a compelling vision for the future, promising a chance to compete for major honors. This long-term perspective, along with the promise of significant playing time, swayed Antony’s decision.
• Financial implications and the offered contract: While the financial aspect isn’t the sole factor, the package offered by Manchester United was undoubtedly competitive, ensuring that Antony’s personal ambitions were also met.
• Comparison of the offers from competing clubs: The combination of factors — the manager, the club's ambition, and the financial package — solidified Manchester United as the most attractive option for Antony.

Conclusion

The near transfer of Antony to Manchester United's rivals highlights the intense competition in the summer transfer window. While Manchester United ultimately secured the talented winger, Liverpool and Chelsea nearly stole the show, proving just how coveted Antony was. The deal ultimately hinged on a combination of factors, with Erik ten Hag's influence and Manchester United's ambition proving decisive in securing the Brazilian's signature.

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