Manchester United confirm Antony agreement with Ajax

Manchester United have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Ajax for the transfer of Antony.

The 22-year-old's future has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, with new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag said to have identified the attacker as a priority signing in the summer market.

The 20-time English champions are believed to have failed with a £76m offer for the Brazil international towards the end of last week but remained in talks with the Dutch champions, and a deal in the region of £85m has now been agreed between the two clubs.

"Manchester United has reached agreement with Ajax for the transfer of Antony, subject to a medical, player terms being finalised, and international clearance," read a statement on the club's official website.

Antony's move could be finalised before Man United face Leicester City on Thursday evening, but the South American is not expected to be involved in that match as his visa is unlikely to be ratified in time.

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The new signing's debut could therefore come against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Antony went public with his desire to leave Ajax at the end of last week, giving an exclusive interview to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, detailing his situation in Amsterdam.

"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," Antony told Romano.

"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 two seasons.

"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.

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"Today (Friday), 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 five days to replace me."

The Brazilian, who is Man United's fifth summer signing after Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro, is expected to sign a five-year deal at Old Trafford with the option of a further 12 months.

The South American started the 2022-23 campaign in strong form for Ajax, scoring twice and providing two assists in three appearances, while he leaves the Dutch champions with a record of 24 goals and 22 assists in 82 outings.

Antony has won two Eredivisie titles and one KNVB Cup during his time at Ajax, while he has been capped on nine occasions by Brazil, finding the back of the net on two occasions.

The forward is expected to be followed to Old Trafford by Martin Dubravka, with the experienced goalkeeper set to join on an initial loan deal from Newcastle United.