Transfer Centre

Manchester United-linked Antony addresses Ajax future

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 15 August 2022

Ajax attacker Antony says that he 'feels good' in Amsterdam but has refused to rule out leaving the Dutch champions amid ongoing interest from Manchester United.

Ajax attacker Antony has insisted that he 'feels good' in Amsterdam but has refused to rule out leaving the Dutch champions before the end of the transfer window.

The 22-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, with Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag said to be keen on a reunion with the player that he managed at Ajax.

However, suggestions of a switch to Old Trafford have quietened in recent weeks, with the Eredivisie outfit believed to value the Brazil international in excess of £80m.

After contributing a goal and an assist in Ajax's 6-1 win over Groningen in the league on Sunday, the attacker was asked about his future.

Antony said that he had "no idea" whether Ten Hag would contact him over a switch to Old Trafford, but the South American is currently happy and settled in Amsterdam.

Ajax winger Antony pictured in September 2021 © Reuters

"No idea... he has to discuss this with my agents, I am focused on here. What will come will come, we will see. At the moment I feel good here," Antony told NOS.

"Like I said, I feel good here. I love this country. I give everything for this club, every minute, every second. And when I don't play I like to enjoy the beach and city. I am loving this city and this club."

Antony has provided one goal and two assists in two league appearances for Ajax at the start of the new campaign, with the champions opening their season with back-to-back wins.

The forward was in impressive form at club level last season, scoring 12 goals and registering 10 assists in 33 appearances in all competitions.

Antony still has three years left to run on his contract in Amsterdam, while Ajax have already made some big sales this summer, including Lisandro Martinez to Man United.

Ajax attacker Antony pictured in February 2022 © Reuters

"I want to thank you for everything you taught me. Know that I will always stand with you if you need me," Antony posted on social media when Ten Hag left to take the job at Old Trafford.

The versatile attacker has represented his Dutch side on 82 occasions since arriving from Sao Paulo in July 2020, contributing 24 goals and 22 assists.

Man United are expected to sign at least one attacker before the end of the transfer window, having started their Premier League campaign with back-to-back defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford, but the Portugal international is expected to remain at the club beyond the transfer deadline.

Man United are also looking to secure a deal for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot this week, while they continue to be linked with Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong, who is still expected to leave Camp Nou before the window slams shut.