Manchester United have been warned about paying over the odds for the transfer of Ajax winger Antony.
The Brazil international is being strongly linked with Man Utd at the moment, with the Times reporting that Ajax expect the Red Devils to come back in with an offer of around €100million for the player.
That could end up being a worthwhile investment for a superb young talent, with Antony certainly looking like he’d be a significant upgrade on struggling stars like Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho.
Still, journalist Tom McDermott believes this could be risky, describing the fee as “ridiculous” and explaining that it’s big spending like this that has got the club in trouble before…
This reported Antony fee is ridiculous. Yeah, I get the “it’s not your money” argument, but it’s part of the reason why #MUFC are where they are. There must be “better” options. If it’s what the manager would like though…
— Tom McDermott (@MrTomMcDermott) August 21, 2022
Antony’s arrival would surely appease a lot of United fans, but the mood could quickly turn sour if he ends up being another expensive flop.
MUFC have seen a lot of those in recent times, with big names like Paul Pogba, Angel Di Maria and Romelu Lukaku not living up to expectations, while the form of current players like Sancho and Harry Maguire is also a worry.
? EXCLUSIVE ?
?? @FabrizioRomano: "I’ve been asked a lot about Harry Maguire … My understanding is that, at the moment, Chelsea’s priority is Wesley Fofana. This is the only answer I'm getting from Chelsea."
Full Story ??
— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) August 21, 2022
No, what’s ridiculous is the 100million quid (not euros) that Man City paid for Grealish.
Antony is truly the real deal. He’s not just an Ajax star, he’s a Brazilian national team star.
Man city bought Grealish for £100, how many goals and assist has he got? Ismaila Sarr is a good player, but a tricky winger like Antony who can take on 3 defenders is what Man Utd need now. Man Utd have their own problem as thier owner Glazers, the club lengends, all of them are crazy people, they can’t keep their mouth shut. I think Man Utd board should back Erik ten Hag with his choice players that he believe can work with his style and philosophy. I already love the Martinez, Malacia, Casemiro deal, I have little doubt on Erikson but i think he can operate good when the team start playing possession football. We just need tricky wingers to make the right pass, dribble and shoot
I have my doubts over a deal for Anthony; he has performed for Ajax, but can he do the same in England? Ajax would not (quite rightly as they want to keep the player anyway) agree to a loan deal, but spending more than £68, mill on him is ridiculous.
Likewise Gakpo, who out performed Anthony last season, but again in the Dutch league. But in defence of that deal, PSV are likely to want a lot less (£38, mill plus add on’s has been suggested).
As for Martinez, he is on the short side & will get found out (as Brentford proved).
In my opinion, United currently need a striker, right winger, secondary defensive midfielder, right wing back & a left footed central defender.
United should try and get
-Pau Torres with Lindelof in exchange.
-Offer PSV £70, mill for both Gakpo AND Sangare.
-Lyon will want to sell Moussa Dembele on the cheap, as his contract expires next year.