Sporting’s Ricardo Esgaio (left) and Ajax’s Anthony
B.Rasil winger Anthony looks poised to complete his move to Manchester United for $95m, joining Lisandro Martinez and making big money in the transfer window from Dutch club Ajax to the English giants switched.
The two clubs announced yesterday that they have reached an agreement for Anthony’s transfer.
The 22-year-old is a deft left-footed attacker who, despite just two full seasons at Ajax, is the second highest-paid player behind Paul Pogba in 2016. It seems that was enough to convince United of that.
He will become the fourth most expensive player to join an English team, after Jack Grealish for Manchester City, Romelu Lukaku for Chelsea and Pogba.
With the arrival of Anthony, who is likely to be part of the Brazil squad for the World Cup in Qatar, just around the corner, United are once again eyeing the Dutch league in their latest rebuild.
First, Eric ten Hag left Ajax as manager, he brought in Martinez – the Argentinian centre-back arrived for around $58 million – and now has Antony with him from the Amsterdam club. Tyrell Malasia has joined from Feyenoord and ex-Ajax player Christian Eriksen has joined on a free transfer.
United signed Brazilian midfielder Casemiro from Real Madrid last week. After that, he protested the club’s direction under the Glazers.
Anthony brings talent to United with his tricks and skills, adding a competitive edge to the wide position, where Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga are all vying for a spot.
There is also growing uncertainty surrounding another United forward, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Anthony complained in an interview with Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano last week that the Dutch champions would not allow him to leave. MDT/AP
