The Man Utd Rival Antony Almost Joined

5 min read Post on May 23, 2025

Top Contenders for Antony's Signature Before Man Utd

The race to sign Antony wasn't a solo run for Manchester United. Several Premier League giants, and even some European heavyweights, showed significant interest. Let's examine the key contenders and why they ultimately fell short.

Chelsea's Interest and Failed Pursuit

Chelsea, known for their big-money signings, were reportedly keen on securing Antony's services. However, their pursuit ultimately proved unsuccessful. Several factors contributed to this:

Chelsea's initial offer and its rejection: Reports suggest Chelsea's initial bid significantly undervalued Antony, leading to its immediate rejection by Ajax.
Conflicting reports regarding their level of interest: The intensity of Chelsea's interest remained a subject of debate throughout the transfer window, with some reports suggesting a lukewarm approach.
Other players Chelsea were pursuing simultaneously: Chelsea's pursuit of other attacking players, like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, might have diverted resources and attention away from Antony. Their multiple transfer targets created competition for funds and managerial focus.

Liverpool's Potential Involvement

Speculation also linked Antony with a move to Liverpool. While concrete evidence of a formal bid remains scarce, the possibility of a transfer to Anfield was discussed in the media. However, several reasons suggest a move to Liverpool was less likely:

Evidence suggesting Liverpool's interest (rumors, articles): News outlets reported on Liverpool's scouting of Antony, fueling speculation. However, these reports never progressed to the level of concrete bids.
Why Liverpool might have prioritized other targets: Liverpool's existing squad depth in attacking positions, and their focus on strengthening other areas of the team, likely led them to prioritize other transfer targets.
Liverpool's squad composition at the time and its implications: Liverpool already had established wingers like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané, making Antony's acquisition less of a priority.

Other Potential Suitors (Barcelona, etc.)

While Chelsea and Liverpool were the most prominently mentioned Antony Manchester United rivals, other clubs were also linked with the Brazilian winger. Barcelona, for instance, faced significant financial constraints, limiting their ability to make a competitive bid. These other potential suitors ultimately failed to make a serious push due to various reasons:

Names of other clubs linked to Antony: While less prominent, whispers of interest from other European clubs circulated throughout the transfer window.
Brief reasoning behind lack of concrete bids: Financial limitations, differing transfer strategies, or a lack of need within their existing squads were all contributing factors in these clubs not making serious bids.
Financial constraints or other transfer priorities: The high asking price set by Ajax, coupled with other pressing transfer needs, prevented many clubs from actively competing for Antony's signature.

Key Factors Influencing Antony's Choice of Manchester United

Despite the competition from several prominent Antony Manchester United rivals, the winger ultimately opted for Old Trafford. Several key factors contributed to this decision.

Erik ten Hag's Influence

The presence of Erik ten Hag at Manchester United proved to be a pivotal factor. Their pre-existing relationship, forged during their time together at Ajax, played a crucial role.

Specific examples of their successful collaboration at Ajax: The pair enjoyed considerable success at Ajax, with Antony flourishing under Ten Hag's tactical guidance. This shared history fostered trust and understanding.
The comfort and familiarity Antony felt working with ten Hag: The familiarity and comfort of working with a manager he already knew and trusted undoubtedly influenced his decision.
How ten Hag's tactical system suited Antony's playing style: Ten Hag's system at Manchester United was ideally suited to Antony’s strengths, promising him a key role and opportunity to shine.

Manchester United's Ambitions and Project

The allure of playing for a club like Manchester United, with its global reach and ambition, was undeniable. The club presented a compelling long-term vision that attracted top talent.

The club's investment in new players: Manchester United's significant investment in new players demonstrated their commitment to building a competitive squad.
Ambition to return to winning ways and compete for titles: The club's clear ambition to return to the pinnacle of English and European football was a significant draw for Antony.
The appeal of the Premier League: The prestige and global reach of the Premier League further enhanced the appeal of a move to Old Trafford.

Negotiation and Transfer Fee

The negotiations between Ajax and Manchester United were complex, eventually resulting in a significant transfer fee. While the exact figures remain undisclosed, it's clear the final price reflected Antony's value and the intense competition for his signature.

The final agreed-upon transfer fee: The final transfer fee was substantial, reflecting Antony’s potential and the competitive bidding environment.
Comparison with rumored bids from other teams: The final figure likely surpassed those offered by other interested clubs, underlining Manchester United's determination to secure his services.
The overall financial aspects of the deal: The financial structure of the deal, including potential add-ons and payment schedules, also played a role in the negotiations.

Conclusion

The transfer of Antony to Manchester United was a complex process, with several clubs, including significant Antony Manchester United rivals, vying for his signature. While Chelsea and Liverpool's interest was noted, and other clubs explored possibilities, Erik ten Hag’s influence, Manchester United's ambition, and the final negotiation terms ultimately led to Antony choosing Old Trafford. Understanding the near-misses helps contextualize his arrival and the strategic decisions involved. To learn more about other impactful Manchester United transfers, keep exploring the intricacies of Antony Manchester United rivals and similar transfer sagas.