Man Utd handed big boost in signing Antony

Manchester United have been handed a big boost in signing Ajax winger Antony following comments from their technical manager Gerry Hamstra.

The Eredivisie outfit recently secured the signing of Porto winger Francisco Conceicao, and Hamstra has now acknowledged that he could be Antony’s successor.

Speaking to Dutch outlet Het Parool, he said: “You want to have immediately deployable players if you lose CL-worthy players. But at Ajax we also continue to think about the long term. How fast that happens depends on several factors.”

“I can imagine that that goes a little faster with a Portuguese or European than with a boy from South America. So Conceição is another example of bringing the successor, in this case Antony, into your selection.”

Hamstra went on to highlight Lisandro Martinez’s move to United, and mentioned that a long-term stay was no longer feasible as the club are not at the top of the food chain.

United have been handed incentive to sign Antony

United boss Erik ten Hag wanted Martinez as a priority this summer. After weeks of negotiations, the hierarchy agreed a deal worth €65 million (£55.5m) to prise him away from Ajax.

Ajax obviously wanted to keep him for next season, but United’s proposal was too hard to refuse. Hence, it is quite clear that the Dutch outfit have a price for every player in their squad.

It was reported yesterday that Antony could be available for €70m (£60m), and that should be within the range of United. The club failed with a verbal €60m (£51m) bid earlier this month.

United are yet to enter into advanced negotiations for Antony, and this could be related to his fitness. He has been working on his own in Amsterdam after an ankle injury in March.

He is due to feature in the final phase of pre-season, and United may probably assess his condition over the coming weeks before making a late approach before the transfer deadline.

United have so far signed Martinez, Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen under Ten Hag’s recommendation. The trio are known for their ball-playing ability which is a key attribute in Ten Hag’s style of play.

Antony is another player that is well versed with his tactics, and would fit in perfectly at the club, though he is a right-winger by trade. He would provide strong competition to Jadon Sancho for the role.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com