Transfer Centre

Antony asks Ajax to sell him amid Manchester United interest

By Ben Sully | 26 August 2022

Antony asks Ajax to sell him amid Man United interest

Antony comments on his Ajax future after Manchester United have two offers rejected, with the Brazilian telling the Dutch club to "sell" him.

Manchester United target Antony has asked Ajax to sell him in the current transfer window.

The Brazilian is currently a transfer target for United, who are looking to strengthen in the final third, but they have had two offers rejected.

After failing with an initial £68m bid, the Red Devils have recently returned with an improved £76m offer, which was also turned down by the Dutch club.

Antony is currently refusing to train as he attempts to push through a move, and he has discussed his current situation in an interview with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Brazil international said: "Since February of this year, my agents came to Amsterdam to inform Ajax of my desire to leave the club to face new challenge and that some interested clubs would arrive and with them, certainly a great offer.

"In June of this year, I interrupted my vacation and came personally to inform the managers of Ajax, including new coach, about my wish to leave and that they should consider this possibility, because it was a project for 2 seasons."

Ajax attacker Antony pictured in February 2022 © Reuters

"During the window months, meetings continued and I also received a proposal from Ajax for contract renewal. I made it clear once again: I want to leave.

"Today, in a meeting with the club, I expressed my old interest in leaving, only this time with a considerable offer on the table. Others had already arrived! Ajax refused with argument that they only have 5 days to replace me.

"I'm not asking Ajax to release me, I'm asking Ajax to sell me with the highest bid ever for an Eredivisie player. I've been insisting on this theme since February so that the club could rebuild the team with peace of mind."

When questioned on his relationship with Ajax, Antony said: "I was very happy in Amsterdam, I won titles at Ajax, made friends and built part of my career, but now I reinforce that I am ready and full of motivation to follow my story and my dreams.

"People need to listen to me and understand that my motivation moves me towards happiness. I need this to continue performing at a high level. Ajax will always be in my heart!

"I hope Ajax fans understand me because the future for a football player is a totally uncertain thing and the opportunities can be unique! My message is one of gratitude for Ajax, club and fans."

After missing last Sunday's 1-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam, Antony is set to be left out of the squad for the league encounter against Utrecht this weekend.