So Manchester United shouldn’t be too worried about whether winger Antony – their new arrival from Ajax – is mature enough to be the third most expensive signing in the club’s history. 6 Manchester United are closing in on a move for Ajax striker AntonyCredit: AFP 6 Brazilian international Antony came through the ranks at Sau Paulo However, £84m is still a lot for a player who has made a huge name for himself but outside of one of Europe’s so-called top five leagues. It’s still a risk. Set to be part of Dutch football’s biggest ever transfer, Antony, 22, has nevertheless repeatedly had everything thrown his way, so perhaps the final chapter of his career will be no different. After moving from South America to Ajax in 2020, with Manchester City and Everton failing with bids, Anthony has taken his game to a new level and now follows manager Erik ten Haag and defender Lisandro Martinez from Amsterdam to Manchester . For Ajax, this is an even more brilliant case. Their sales have soared to £193m this summer – including Martinez’s £48.3m switch to United – while their spending was £91m. 6 Antony has a child with his partner Rosilene XavierCredit: Instagram: @Antony00 6 The Red Devils have agreed an £84m deal to sign Antony from AjaxCredit: Instagram: @Antony00 Antony proved a success in Holland, despite club legend Marco van Basten smashing his record signing from Sao Paulo, who was worth £13m but could end up closer to £18m. Van Basten, who has probably changed his tune, said: “They have a very big mouth at Ajax. “The education of our young people is so great. And then you buy a youth player for a mega sum. Then something is wrong. “If you beat yourself so terribly in the chest that youth training is so big, then of course it is ridiculous that you are going to buy a young player from Brazil for 25 million euros.” FREE BET AND SIGN UP OFFERS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS Born Antony Matheus Dos Santos, he joined local club Sao Paulo’s academy at the age of ten. He helped them win the J League World Challenge in Japan and was named best player, leading to his first professional contract, aged 18, in 2018. Just 12 months later Antony became a father to son Lorenzo and made his debut for Brazil U-23s, playing alongside Bruno Guimaraes, now at Newcastle. Antony then wrote From Overcoming A Real Dream, a diary about the pressures of being a rising star in Brazil. He detailed his troubles in the Sao Paulo youth set-up and revealed he was close to being released from prison three times. After his debut for Sao Paulo, Tottenham Hotspur’s Lucas Moura congratulated the youngster and told him to “work hard” and keep playing matches. Antony has since developed a close friendship with Moura. He stands just 5ft 9in tall, plays on the right side of midfield or attack and is known for cutting in on his left foot. 6 Antony has scored twice in nine appearances for the Brazilian national teamCredit: Getty 6 Antony has won two Eredivisie titles with Ajax since arriving in 2020Credit: Getty Despite interest from the Premier League, Antony moved to Ajax in 2020, earning around £12,000 a week. Upon arrival, his new Brazilian team-mates released a rap in his honour. David Neres and Danilo recorded a piece called Bem-vindo Antony (Welcome Antony), written by Sarita Lorena, a Brazilian who lived in the Netherlands for many years. Antony, a devout Catholic with a love of jet skiing, became a revelation at the Johan Cruyff Arena, winning two Eredivisie titles under Ten Hag. He continued his early season form, scoring once and adding two assists in the opening two Eredivisie games before being ruled out for the clash with Sparta Rotterdam. Although still new to the international scene, Antony will be hoping to star at the World Cup in Qatar. He made his debut for Brazil against Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier ten months ago and has now appeared nine times. But in recent months, Antony has fallen out with Ajax. He said: “In February this year, my agents came to Amsterdam to inform Ajax of my desire to leave the club. “In June I interrupted my holiday and came in person to inform the Ajax coaches, including the new coach, of my desire to leave and that they should consider this possibility.” And on Friday, he said: “In a meeting with the club, I expressed my old interest in leaving, only this time with a significant offer on the table. “Ajax refused, arguing that they only have five days to replace me.” Like most things in his short career, though, Antony gets exactly what he wants.
