Ajax's outrageous £70 million asking price for winger Antony threatens to derail the club's acquisition of the player.
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According to The Times, Antony is set on joining United, but the Red Devils' refusal to meet their exorbitant asking price is a major roadblock.
United's top offer, reported by GOAL to be £51 million, was turned down. This is frustrating because if United had moved more quickly, this deal might already be complete.
Because to a few early summer sales, Ajax's transfer policy has changed, thus Antony are only responsible for themselves.
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German teams have once again led the way in the transfer market this summer, wrapping up their business early, and United only has themselves to blame.
Ryan Gravenberch and Noussair Mazraoui were quickly acquired by Bayern Munich, and Sebastien Haller was acquired by Borussia Dortmund.
Ajax is now more than £50 million richer and minus three regulars in their starting lineup.
Ajax can demand a high price just because they have no need to sell. While Antony is their crowning achievement and will set you back more than £70 million, Lisandro Martinez will cost you more than £40 million.
If Antony were to attempt to force a move, even if they are ultimately forced to lower their guard,This would take the entire summer and be a huge waste of time.
Feyenoord vs. Ajax - Dutch Eredivisie
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Mistake in United's strategy
In February, Fabrizio Romano of FIVE revealed that Antony was a United target. The club has thus had ample time to be ready for the summer.
The issue was that United made a crucial tactical error by choosing to focus on Frenkie de Jong first and leave everything else for later.
This meant that while United and Barcelona were negotiating over De Jong, Ajax completed their early sales and increased the price for Antony.
Since the De Jong controversy has still to be resolved, United has only recently begun looking at other signings while also adding left-back Tyrell Malacia.
It will be a relief if the De Jong trade eventually closes, but the club's focus this summer may have prevented a deal for Antony. In the event that the negotiations with Barcelona fail, United just have themselves to blame for the mistake's awful appearance.
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