Manchester United overpaid in their pursuit of Antony due to a ‘desperation’ to bring in attacking additions during Erik ten Hag’s first summer in charge.
The Brazil international has struggled to make an impact since his £86m arrival from Ajax, with the 23-year-old having failed to provide a goal or assist in 13 league appearances this season, after an underwhelming debut campaign at Old Trafford in 2022/23.
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A report from The Athletic has now revealed the events behind the deal, with United having overpaid on their valuation of the winger late in the transfer window. The Red Devils reportedly valued Antony at just £25m during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time as manager, less than a third of his final price-tag.
Despite Ten Hag’s ‘reservations’ about returning to former club Ajax, after concluding an earlier deal for Lisandro Martinez, the club’s recruitment team agreed on a pursuit of Antony.
During initial talks with Ajax, United withdrew from the negotiations and informed the Dutch side they ‘would not pay more than £60m.’
However, in the final days of the transfer window, an agreement was reached to sign Antony for a fee of £86m. The revelation continue to shine a spotlight on the club’s recent recruitment, after a number of high-profile disappointments in recent windows.
Last season’s summer signings, Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund, Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir and Sofyan Amrabat have all made mixed starts to their careers with the club.
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