Manchester United are set to finally sign Brazilian star Antony from Dutch giants Ajax.
The Red Devils have been chasing Antony for the past month but struggled to meet Ajax’s transfer demands.
With the summer transfer window soon closing, Manchester United have managed to splash enough cash to get the deal done.
Antony has been with Ajax since February 2020 and will now move to Old Trafford with high expectations and a huge price tag to justify.
Antony transfer fee and contract details
Manchester United will pay Ajax £80.75m (€95m/$94.4m) with a further £4.25m (€5m/$5m) in add-ons to sign Antony, according to the BBC.
The Brazilian’s transfer fee is expected to be an Eredivisie record and would make him the Red Devils second most expensive signing, ahead of Harry Maguire but behind Paul Pogba.
Antony will be handed a contract running until 2027 at Old Trafford with the option for an extra year.
MORE: Manchester United’s 10 most expensive signings
What position does Antony play?
Antony has generally been deployed as a right winger throughout his senior career to date.
He has played on the left wing a handful of times and can also play slightly deeper in midfield if needed.
The Brazilian was exclusively used as a right winger under Erik ten Hag at Ajax during the 2021/22 season – a campaign that saw him score 12 goals and provide 10 assists across all competitions.
Antony’s arrival at Manchester United will likely see Anthony Elanga drop out of the starting side.
Antony ↝ absolute baller ⚡️🇧🇷#UCL pic.twitter.com/5ScRd6AnFs
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) February 25, 2022
How old is Antony?
Antony will come to Manchester United at the age of 22 and won’t turn 23 until February 24, 2023.
The attacker made his senior debut as an 18-year-old with Brazilian club Sao Paulo.
Antony then secured his first senior cap with Brazil’s national team at the age of 21.
Antony’s possible shirt number at Manchester United
As a late summer arrival at Old Trafford, Antony’s shirt number options are limited.
The Brazilian has most recently been wearing No. 11 at Ajax, while he started his career with No. 39 on his back.
Both numbers are currently unavailable at Manchester United with No. 13 the lowest number yet to be claimed.
Should Cristiano Ronaldo leave, there’s a chance Antony could also be offered the No. 7 shirt.
When could Antony make his Manchester United debut?
Manchester United are next scheduled to face Leicester City in the Premier League on September 1.
That match will likely come too soon for Antony to make his debut but the following game against Arsenal on September 4 at Old Trafford might be the perfect chance for him to make a cameo appearance.
The Red Devils face a busy start to September with the club to play six games in 17 days as a result of the Europa League group stages beginning.
Antony’s arrival is therefore quite timely and he could be playing regularly quickly.
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