Manchester United could lose their prime target Antony to their fierce rivals Liverpool this summer. The Red Devils who are trying to engineer a move for the winger are still to find a breakthrough in the negotiations.
However, since Ajax are ready to sell Antony Liverpool have now entered the race to sign him. The Daily Star report that Liverpool are making quick moves and have already held talks with Antony’s agents.
Though United were leading the race to land Antony, they have been put on the backfoot by Ajax’s asking price for the winger. Ten Hag’s former side wants £69 million which United are unwilling to splash.
Liverpool meanwhile have taken stock of the situation and are ready to add Antony to their attacking ranks. Moreover, Jurgen Klopp himself has reportedly green light the move in order to bolster his team.
Liverpool force United to look for Antony’s alternatives
While Liverpool are still in the early stages of stealing United’s move, Ten Hag’s team are already searching for other targets in the market.
United’s recruitment team have decided against signing Antony if Ajax remain firm on their £69 million evaluation. On the other hand, it is not yet clear whether Liverpool too will meet Antony’s asking price or not.
The Reds have already spent in the excess of £80 million on Darwin Nunez, and it is highly unlikely they sign another cheque of almost £70 million.
Though Liverpool have Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Harvey Elliot on the wings, the Reds may be attempting to replace Sadio Mane who left for Bayern Munich.
Antony has established himself as one of the dazzling wingers across Europe in last couple of years after joining Ajax from Sau Paulo in 2020.
The winger scored 12 goals and assisted 10 last season in 33 appearances for Ajax. Antony further posted 40 plus numbers in metrics such as chances created [40], shots [79] and dribbles [42].
Meanwhile, reports coming put of Brazil tell that Sau Paulo too are keeping tabs on Antony’s situation. The Brazilian side has inserted a 20% sell-on clause in Antony’s move to Ajax back in 2020.
Sau Paulo would receive at least £10.6 if Antony is sold for £69 million by Ajax. The Brasileiro club are undergoing financial difficulties and hence are waiting for their cut.