Antony completes big-money Manchester United move from Ajax
Manchester United have officially completed the signing of Antony on a five-year deal from Ajax.
The Red Devils confirmed earlier this week that they had reached an agreement with Ajax to sign the 22-year-old in a deal thought to be worth around £85m.
The deal itself had not been finalised at that stage, but the Premier League club have confirmed that the Brazil international is now officially a Manchester United player having put pen to paper on a contract which will keep him at the club until 2027, with the option of a further year on top
Antony’s switch to Old Trafford sees him reunited with manager Erik ten Hag, who signed Antony for Ajax in 2020 before leaving for the 20-time English champions this summer.
Following his arrival at the club, Antony revealed that he is “excited” to work with Ten Hag once again, having talked up his development under the manager at Ajax.
“This is an incredible moment in my career to be joining one of the most iconic clubs in the world. I’m thankful to everyone who has believed in me, especially my family, and all my coaches and teammates, because I could not have got here without them,” Antony told the club’s official website.
“Playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax was perfect for me and my development. His style of football and coaching brings out the best in me, and I am excited by what he has told me about his plans and ambitions in Manchester.
“My time at Ajax was fantastic and I will always be grateful for the trust they put in me, but now I am ready for the next challenge, and I can’t wait to join my new teammates and play my part in bringing success to Manchester United.”
Man United’s football director John Murtough added: “Antony is one of the most exciting young talents in European football and has exactly the right profile for the attacking, dynamic team Erik is building.
“We have been especially impressed by his desire to join Manchester United, and to be part of a long-term project to get the club back to the levels of performance we all expect.”
Antony scored 12 goals and registered 10 assists across all competitions for Ajax last season, and he has carried that form into the new campaign with two goals and two assists in three outings so far.
The signing takes Man United’s summer spending beyond the £200m mark, with Antony joining Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro in making the move to Old Trafford during the current window.
The winger will not be eligible to make his debut for Man United during this evening’s Premier League contest against Leicester City, but could feature against Arsenal on Sunday.
Ten Hag’s side go into tonight’s match having won back-to-back league games, and another victory over their bottom-of-the-table hosts at the King Power Stadium would give them three successive top-flight wins for the first time this season.
