Former Manchester United left-back Daley Blind has warned Premier League sides that Ajax will not accept a penny less than their asking price for Antony this summer.
United have been linked with a move for the Brazilian wideman since Erik ten Hag was announced as the next permanent manager at Old Trafford. Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in recent weeks while Newcastle and Barcelona appear to be in the frame for Antony's signature ahead of the summer transfer window.
It remains to be seen whether he will depart Amsterdam for pastures new, with Ajax expected to lose a number of their key players such as Ryan Gravenberch, Andre Onana and Noussair Mazraoui. But one thing is for certain: Antony will not be moving on the cheap.
Ajax star Blind, speaking to Andy van der Meijde on YouTube, said: “A few players are already leaving on a free transfer, so I don’t think Ajax will let players go that easily. You have to have a team next year that will compete again in the Champions League and for the title.
“If the main price is paid for Haller or Antony, then Ajax will accept it, but I don’t think Ajax wants to sell many players. I hope most of them just stay.”
Antony has certainly sparkled at Ajax since arriving from Sao Paulo in the summer of 2020. The 22-year-old has 79 appearances to his name in all competitions, scoring 23 goals and assisting the same number in that time.
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His performances have been key to the Amsterdam giants’ success under Ten Hag with the nine-cap Brazil international earning two Eredivisie winners medals while also lifting Dutch Cup during his time at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The incoming United boss has already waxed lyrical about Antony’s abilities ahead of a potential move.
Speaking with De Telegraaf, the Dutchman said: "If Antony were to go, it would be a loss for Ajax. You have no-one in the current squad who can take over his position. He is top class."
Antony has just over three years left to run on his contract at Ajax but would represent a vital addition to the Red Devils’ frontline with the likes of Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard set to depart, whilst Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial face uncertain futures. Elsewhere, the Brazilian would face severe competition for a starting berth should he complete a switch to Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp’s Reds can boast the likes of Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Takumi Minamino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane - although the latter two are linked with exits. Salah is yet to pen a new deal at Anfield with his contract set to expire next summer, whilst Mane is reportedly under consideration at Bayern Munich.
