Barcelona, are apparently eyeing a summer transfer for Ajax star Antony. The exciting displays of the Brazilian winger for Ajax have piqued the interest of a number of Europe's premier clubs.
Barcelona has reportedly began talks with Antony's representation about a possible move to the Camp Nou next summer, according to El Nacional. The Catalan giants are expected to face heavy competition for the 21-year-signature old's from Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Juventus.
Antony joined Ajax from Sao Paulo in a £13 million deal in the summer of 2020. Last season, the Brazilian quickly established himself as a key member of the Dutch club's starting lineup. He went on to play 46 times for the club in all competitions, scoring 10 goals and assisting on another ten. Last season, Antony also assisted Ajax in winning the Eredivise and KNVB Cup.
This season, the Brazilian has improved dramatically, scoring eight goals and giving five assists in 19 appearances for Erik Ten Haag's team across all competitions. Ajax is now in second place in the Eredivise table, one point behind league leaders PSV Eindhoven. Barcelona has taken notice of Antony's outstanding performances in the Champions League group stage. In five group games this season, the 21-year-old scored two goals and added four assists. Ajax finished first in Group C of the Champions League thanks to his performances.
Barcelona, a La Liga powerhouse, is apparently looking to add reinforcements to their squad in the coming transfer windows. The Catalan club just finalised the €55 million signing of Spanish attacker Ferran Torres from Manchester City. Xavi and his teammates may now turn their attention to Ajax's Antony.
Barcelona see Antony of Ajax as a perfect substitute for Ousmane Dembele.
In the summer of 2017, Barcelona signed Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund for £110 million. The Frenchman was anticipated to develop into the ideal successor for Neymar, who left Barcelona in the summer to join PSG.
Recurrent hamstring injuries and disciplinary troubles have limited the forward's growth at the Camp Nou. In his four-and-a-half seasons with Barcelona, he has only made 127 appearances and scored 31 goals.
The former Borussia Dortmund striker had a strong 2020-21 season for Barcelona, scoring eleven goals in 44 appearances across all competitions. Last season, he was instrumental in the club's Copa del Rey victory. Joan Laporta, Barcelona's president, and Xavi Hernandez, the club's new manager, are said to be huge fans of the Frenchman. According to recent rumours, though, Dembele is keen on leaving Camp Nou.
The contract of Ousmane Dembele with Barcelona is slated to expire at the end of the season. The 24-year-old has so far turned down the option to extend his contract with the Spanish club. The French winger is largely anticipated to leave Barcelona at the end of his contract. PSG has indicated interest in Ousmane Dembele, according to le10sport.
Barcelona is prepared for a possible departure of the former Borussia Dortmund star by signing Ajax winger Antony as a replacement.
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