Manchester United have officially announced the signing of Brazilian winger Antony from Ajax for a fee that could reach £85.5 million. The 22-year-old becomes the club's fifth summer acquisition under manager Erik ten Hag, following Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, and Casemiro.
Antony underwent a medical ahead of the move, which is initially valued at £81.3 million with an additional £4.2 million in performance-related add-ons. The transfer makes him United's second most expensive signing ever, behind only Paul Pogba's £89 million move in 2016. It also represents the highest sale by a Dutch club, surpassing Frenkie de Jong's transfer from Ajax to Barcelona in 2019.
United described Antony as a 'priority' target for Ten Hag, who previously coached him at Ajax. The club views him as a 'significant' addition to their forward line, citing his technical ability and winning mentality. Antony contributed 24 goals and 22 assists in 82 appearances for Ajax, having been signed by Ten Hag from Sao Paulo in 2020 for an initial £13 million.
The Brazilian had been eager to reunite with Ten Hag at Old Trafford and went on strike to force the transfer. Ajax were reluctant to sell after losing several key players this summer, including Martinez to United, but eventually agreed to the substantial fee. Antony told Fabrizio Romano: 'I was very happy in Amsterdam... but now I reinforce that I am ready and full of motivation to follow my story and my dreams.'
