How Antony Nearly Joined Manchester United's Biggest Rivals

Pedro Alvarez

5 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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Manchester City's Initial Interest and Scouting

Manchester City's early interest in Antony stemmed from their extensive scouting network. Their scouts, renowned for identifying hidden gems and future stars, had been closely monitoring Antony's performances at Ajax for a considerable period. His electrifying style of play, characterized by impressive dribbling skills, blistering pace, and a keen eye for goal, quickly caught the attention of Pep Guardiola and the City recruitment team. This wasn't a fleeting interest; City saw Antony as a potential key player to bolster their already formidable attacking options.

• City's scouts had been monitoring Antony's performances at Ajax for an extended period. Their meticulous scouting process involved analyzing numerous matches, assessing his strengths and weaknesses, and comparing him to other players in his position.
• His impressive dribbling skills, pace, and goal-scoring ability caught the attention of Pep Guardiola. Guardiola, known for his meticulous tactical approach and preference for technically gifted players, saw in Antony a player who could seamlessly integrate into his possession-based system.
• Initial contact was made with Ajax representatives to gauge the possibility of a transfer. These preliminary talks aimed to understand Ajax's valuation of the player and to explore the feasibility of a deal.
• The player himself was reportedly open to a move to the Etihad Stadium. The allure of playing for a Champions League contender under a world-class manager like Guardiola was undoubtedly attractive to the young Brazilian.

Negotiations and Roadblocks

While initial contact was positive, the negotiations between Manchester City and Ajax quickly hit roadblocks. The primary stumbling block centered around the transfer fee. Ajax, recognizing Antony's value and importance to their team, demanded a significant sum for his services. This high valuation reflected not only his on-field contributions but also the potential for future growth and resale value.

• Ajax demanded a high transfer fee for Antony, reflecting his value and importance to the team. This was a crucial point of contention, as Ajax were determined to receive fair market value for one of their most prized assets.
• Manchester City were unwilling to meet Ajax's asking price, considering it excessive. City, despite their considerable financial resources, operate under a strict financial strategy and were hesitant to overpay for a player, even one as talented as Antony.
• There may have been disagreements on other aspects of the deal, such as agent fees or player bonuses. These peripheral issues, often overlooked, can sometimes derail even the most promising transfers. The complexities of these negotiations should not be underestimated.
• This impasse created an opening for other clubs to enter the race for Antony's signature. The stalled negotiations with Manchester City inadvertently paved the way for other teams to make their move.

The Emergence of Manchester United

This is where Manchester United, under the newly appointed Erik ten Hag, entered the picture. Ten Hag's prior relationship with Antony from their time together at Ajax proved to be a game-changer. This existing connection fostered a level of trust and understanding that other potential suitors lacked.

• Erik ten Hag's familiarity with Antony from their time together at Ajax played a crucial role. This pre-existing rapport allowed for smoother negotiations and a more personalized approach.
• Manchester United offered a more attractive package, potentially meeting Ajax's valuation. They were willing to meet Ajax's demands financially, offering a transfer fee that satisfied the Dutch club.
• The prospect of reuniting with a familiar manager and playing in the Premier League proved tempting for Antony. The comfort and familiarity of working with ten Hag, coupled with the allure of the English Premier League, were strong incentives.
• This ultimately swayed Antony's decision towards Old Trafford. The combination of a familiar manager, a higher transfer fee for Ajax, and the prestige of the Premier League tipped the balance in favor of Manchester United.

The Final Decision and its Impact

Ultimately, Antony chose Manchester United, completing the transfer and beginning a new chapter in his career. His arrival at Old Trafford generated considerable excitement among the fans, given his proven track record and reputation for electrifying performances.

• The transfer was finalized, with Antony becoming a Manchester United player. This marked the culmination of a lengthy and complex negotiation process.
• Discuss Antony’s initial impact at Manchester United (positive or negative, depending on reality). (This section would require updating based on Antony's actual performance at Manchester United).
• Analyze how Manchester City’s loss affected their squad and their approach to the winger position. (This section would also require updating based on Manchester City's subsequent actions).
• The near-miss for City highlights the competitiveness of the Premier League transfer market. This transfer saga showcases the intensity and unpredictability of the Premier League transfer market, where even the slightest shift in circumstances can dramatically alter the outcome.

Conclusion

The tale of how Antony nearly joined Manchester City reveals the intricate dynamics of the modern football transfer market. While Manchester City's interest was genuine, a combination of factors – including valuation disagreements and Erik ten Hag's influence – ultimately steered the Brazilian winger towards Manchester United. This saga underscores the unpredictable nature of high-profile transfers and reminds us that even seemingly certain deals can fall apart at the last minute. Understanding these intricacies is key to appreciating the complexities of the football transfer world and the stories behind the big-name signings. To delve further into fascinating football transfer sagas, explore more articles on the Antony transfer and other similar stories.