MANCHESTER UNITED have finally completed the £85.5million signing of winger Antony after striking a deal with Ajax.
After a summer-long pursuit, Erik ten Hag refused to give up on a reunion with the winger he developed in Amsterdam.
And the Red Devils confirmed the announcement of the Brazilian star – more than double what they originally wanted to pay.
The club said an agreement was in place with Ajax and subject to a medical, personal terms and international clearance, the transfer would be done.
Ajax stated the deal is worth a Dutch-record €100m – around £85.5m – with £81.3m up front and the remaining £4.2m in possible add-ons.
Antony is now poised to link up with United after being snapped walking into the club’s Carrington HQ last night.
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In a video circulating on social media, he was beaming as he walked through the main doors at United’s training ground complex.
However, as Newcastle have seen with Alexander Isak, getting a work permit sorted can take a while.
Therefore, Antony is not expected to be available to feature away at Leicester on Thursday night.
That would instead mean he should make his debut in a crunch clash against high-flying Arsenal on Sunday instead.
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Antony has racked up 31 goals and 27 assists in his 134 appearances for Ajax and Sao Paulo.
The nine-cap Brazil international also has two Eredivisie winners medals and an Olympic gold in his trophy cabinet.
But in a bombshell interview with Fabrizio Romano last week, the attacker begged Ajax to sell him.
He said: “Since February of this year, my agents came to Amsterdam to inform Ajax of my desire to leave the club to face new a challenge and that some interested clubs would arrive and with them, certainly a great offer.
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“In June of this year, I interrupted my vacation and came personally to inform the managers of Ajax, including new coach, about my wish to leave and that they should consider this possibility, because it was a project for two seasons.
“During the window months, meetings continued and I also received a proposal from Ajax for contract renewal.
“I made it clear once again: I want to leave.”
He added: “Today, in a meeting with the club, I expressed my old interest in leaving, only this time with a considerable offer on the table.
“Others had already arrived! Ajax refused with argument that they only have five days to replace me.
“I’m not asking Ajax to release me, I’m asking Ajax to sell me with the highest bid ever for an Eredivisie player.
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“I’ve been insisting on this theme since February so that the club could rebuild the team with peace of mind.”
Antony becomes Ten Hag’s fifth signing this window after the arrivals of Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
