It’s unlikely Ajax star Antony will go on strike to force a move to Manchester United, despite claims suggesting as much.
That’s according to former coach turned analyst Aad de Mos, who is refusing to believe the Brazilian could end up at Old Trafford this summer.
Antony has been linked with a move to Manchester United for several weeks, with several Ajax stars reportedly on Erik ten Haag’s wishlist.
The Dutch side aren’t keen on selling him, though, having already let stars go this summer without bringing in replacements to date.
Indeed, such is their reluctance to do a deal it has been suggested the player may go on strike in an attempt to force through a move to the Premier League.
De Mos isn’t convinced that is the case, though, believing it is simply the player’s agents floating the idea in an effort to scare the Dutch champions.
“That doesn’t come from Antony; it comes more from the agents usually,” he told Online Wedden 24.
“I don’t think it’s very wise for his reputation. Ajax is free to ask what they want because he still has a long-term contract.
“He has to be careful with it; it could be a disadvantage to himself because Ten Hag and United could say: we are no longer interested in a player who does that.”
The big issue for Manchester United this summer has been finding fair prices in a market that knows they have money to spend.
It’s been well established that Ten Hag will be backed in the market, with club officials even openly admitting as much.
That’s left them at a disadvantage in negotiations, with selling clubs more than aware of both the availability of the funds but also the desperation to get deals over the line.
This has been seen in negotiations already, such as those with Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong, with the Catalans refusing to budge on their own price point despite being keen to raise funds themselves.
That’s something Manchester United can also do with sales, although De Mos believes that is easier said than done.
“I think they hold on to their coins for a while because they are now fair game,” he said.
“Everyone knows, from supporters to the big clubs: they are at a minus in the trade, everyone knows that they need players, everyone knows that they want Frenkie de Jong, everyone knows that is priority one, Laporta naturally uses that.
“I would use it too. He will never leave for less than 85. Therefore, what remains then goes to another player. He also knows what is left and what can be gained.
“It’s not an easy situation; it’s not like they’re standing outside Manchester’s door to buy players there.
“The only person they come for is Ronaldo. You can load the rest into a wheelbarrow with a bow around it, and then you take them all away yourself.”
Recent reports have Manchester United getting closer to a deal with Barcelona for De Jong after weeks of negotiations between the two clubs.
It’s been made clear from the outset that the Dutchman is not particularly keen on swapping the Camp Nou for Old Trafford, with the move being very much pushed by Barcelona.
For many reuniting with Ten Hag would be a smart move for him, given it was the Dutchman who launched his career during their time together at Ajax.
De Mos doesn’t see it that way, though, and actually believes it would be wise for the midfielder to stay where he is.
“I wouldn’t go if I were Frenkie de Jong; I’d stay in Barcelona,” he added.
“He will be selected for the first team anyway; he will be selected for the national team anyway, so I think only his agent will be the wiser.”
