Manchester United officially announced the signing of Antony, who joined the club for a transfer fee worth €100M.
Officially, Manchester United has signed Brazilian winger Antony away from Ajax.
The deal makes Antony the second-most expensive signing in Manchester United history, with a rumoured sum of just under £85 million and a further £4 million in performance-related bonuses.
Erik ten Hag made Antony a top priority, and the Red Devils made three increasing-priced offers that were all turned down before the Amsterdam side finally accepted the fourth offer.
Speaking about the change, Antony said: “Joining one of the most renowned clubs in the world is an amazing moment in my career.
I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me, especially my family, my coaches, and my teammates, without whom I would not have succeeded.
“Erik ten Hag’s coaching at Ajax was ideal for me and my development. I play and coach better when he is around, and I am inspired by what he has shared with me about his goals and intentions for Manchester.
“My time at Ajax was amazing, and I will always be grateful for the trust they placed in me. However, now that I am ready for the next challenge, I can’t wait to join my new team and contribute to the success of Manchester United,” he said.
Antony enters Carrington after another former Ajax player Lisandro Martinez, who signed for just less than £60 million earlier in the transfer window.
The Brazilian joins the team as the sixth summer acquisition, following Casemiro from Real Madrid, who joined last week in a deal worth up to £60 million.
After playing for Erik ten Hag’s direction for the previous two seasons, Antony reportedly sees the Dutchman as “more than a manager” and has made it clear that he wants to leave Ajax for United.
During his presser on Wednesday, Erik ten Hag discussed Antony as follows: “First of all, having competition is a wonderful thing. I consider that to be extremely normal. This circumstance must exist in a premier club to drive individuals and players to the highest heights. They [Rashford & Sancho] must be pleased with that as well.”
He added that Antony is predominantly a right-winger in his eyes.
Football director John Murtough commented: “Antony is one of the most exciting young talents in European football and has exactly the right profile for the attacking, dynamic team Erik is building.
His eagerness to join Manchester United and be a part of a long-term project to return the team to the performance levels we all anticipate has really impressed us.
On Thursday night, Manchester United is scheduled to play Leicester City. While Antony is unlikely to be able to play in that game, he virtually probably will make his debut for the Red Devils against Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Antony: “They [Mufc supporters] can relax knowing that all of my struggles to get here have been worthwhile. We have a lot of great things to accomplish together, so thank you.”
