How Antony Almost Signed For Manchester United's Biggest Rivals

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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Antony's Rise Through the Ranks and Early Interest

Antony's journey to the top echelons of football is a testament to his raw talent and unwavering dedication. His career began at Sao Paulo, where the young Brazilian winger quickly showcased his impressive attacking prowess, dribbling skills, and remarkable goal-scoring ability. His performances attracted attention from various European clubs, with whispers of Premier League interest circulating long before Manchester United made their move. This early interest highlighted Antony’s potential as a young talent destined for greatness.

• Debut at Sao Paulo and early success: Antony's early performances at Sao Paulo were electrifying, catching the eye of scouts across Europe.
• Breakthrough season at Ajax: His move to Ajax marked a significant step up, and he became a key player, showcasing his versatility and attacking flair.
• International call-ups for Brazil: His impressive form earned him call-ups to the Brazilian national team, further cementing his reputation on the global stage.
• Early scouting reports and Premier League interest: Numerous Premier League clubs were reportedly monitoring his progress closely, making him one of the hottest prospects in European football. This intense scrutiny ultimately led to the intense battle for his signature.

Manchester City's Pursuit and the Failed Negotiations

Manchester City, under the astute management of Pep Guardiola, were among the clubs actively pursuing Antony. Their interest stemmed from a need to bolster their squad depth, particularly on the wings. Antony's style of play – direct, skillful, and goal-oriented – perfectly aligned with Guardiola's tactical philosophy. The pursuit, however, ultimately ended in failed negotiations.

• Reports of initial contact between City and Ajax: Early reports suggested that Manchester City initiated contact with Ajax to express their interest in securing Antony's services.
• Discussions regarding transfer fees and personal terms: Negotiations progressed, involving discussions about the transfer fee and Antony's personal terms, which included salary and contract length.
• Obstacles faced during negotiations (e.g., disagreements on price, player's preference): However, several obstacles arose during these crucial discussions. Disagreements over the transfer fee, reportedly a major sticking point, played a significant role in derailing the negotiations. There were also suggestions that Antony himself might have had reservations or preferences regarding his next club.
• The eventual breakdown of talks and City's withdrawal from the race: Ultimately, the negotiations broke down, resulting in Manchester City’s withdrawal from the race to sign the promising young winger.

Key Factors Leading to the Collapse of the Manchester City Deal

The collapse of the Manchester City deal can be attributed to a confluence of factors. The primary stumbling block was the reported disagreement on the transfer fee. Ajax were reportedly demanding a significantly higher fee than Manchester City were willing to pay. Furthermore, the involvement of agents and the complexities of international transfers added another layer of complication. Competing bids, and perhaps even Antony's own preference, could have also influenced the eventual outcome. Ultimately, the combination of these factors resulted in a breakdown in negotiations.

Manchester United's Successful Bid and Antony's Old Trafford Arrival

With Manchester City out of the picture, Manchester United, managed by Erik ten Hag – Antony's former manager at Ajax – swooped in. Ten Hag's familiarity with the player and his playing style gave Manchester United a distinct advantage. The reported transfer fee was substantial, reflecting Antony's value and potential. The swiftness of the negotiations, in stark contrast to Manchester City's protracted discussions, highlights the determination of both the club and the manager to bring the Brazilian winger to Old Trafford.

• Details of United's offer: Manchester United's offer reportedly met Ajax's valuation, smoothing the path towards a successful transfer.
• The speed of negotiations compared to City's pursuit: The speed at which Manchester United concluded the deal underscored their commitment and efficiency in the transfer market.
• Antony's comments upon joining United: Antony expressed his excitement at joining Manchester United, highlighting the influence of his former manager, Erik ten Hag, in his decision.
• Impact on Manchester United's squad: Antony's arrival significantly strengthened Manchester United's attacking options, adding pace, skill, and goal-scoring threat to their forward line.

Conclusion

Antony's transfer saga serves as a compelling example of the unpredictable nature of the football transfer market. His near move to Manchester City, followed by his eventual transfer to Manchester United, highlights the intricate negotiations, competing interests, and surprising twists that can shape the destiny of a player. The deal also shows the importance of manager-player relationships, and the power of a well-timed, decisive bid. It was a surprising near-miss that ultimately shaped the landscape of the Premier League.

Want to learn more about other surprising near-miss transfers in football? Keep reading our blog for more insights into the world of football transfers and the stories behind the deals that almost were. Explore the world of Antony and his incredible journey!