Ten Hag first brought Antony from Sao Paulo to Ajax at the age of 20 for a fee of 17 million USD, potentially rising to 24 million USD based on performance. The winger, born in 2000, helped Ajax win two consecutive Dutch league titles and was named in the 2021-2022 team of the year.
After being appointed Manchester United manager in the summer of 2022, ten Hag also persuaded the club to buy Antony for 110 million USD, with an additional 6 million USD based on the Brazilian international's achievements. It was Ajax's most expensive player sale ever.
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Coach Erik ten Hag and Antony during the FA Cup final against Man City at Wembley Stadium, London, UK, 3/6/2024. Photo: Reuters |
Coach Erik ten Hag and Antony during the FA Cup final against Man City at Wembley Stadium, London, UK, 3/6/2024. Photo: Reuters
"Antony has great talent," ten Hag told German newspaper Bild. "I signed Antony twice. He is still like a son to me. Bayer Leverkusen aren't interested in Antony at the moment, but who knows what the future holds."
Bayer Leverkusen are looking for a winger, but they are more interested in Johan Bakayoko from PSV Eindhoven than Antony. German media previously suggested that ten Hag wanted the club to sign his former players, Antony or Alejandro Garnacho. However, Manchester United have not received any offers from the German club.
Ten Hag also hasn't used Antony much since December 2023, during his time at Manchester United. He was mainly a substitute and sometimes didn't even make it onto the pitch. At that time, the Brazilian player was also criticized for his poor performances with the "Red Devils". In 96 games for the team, he only scored 12 goals.
According to Brazilian newspaper UOL, Manchester United are looking to sell Antony for 67 million USD. But there aren't many teams willing to pay that amount. The 25-year-old winger has just had a successful half-season with Real Betis and could be signed by Spanish clubs. However, Betis only want to loan Antony for another year.
Hoang An (via Bold)
