Erik ten Hag helped Ajax win the title last season and then left the Johan Cruyff Arena to join Manchester United.
The Dutchman raided the Eredivisie winners to sign Lisandro Martínez and Antony in the summer transfer window. Manchester United could have signed one more player from Ajax, had they managed to seal a deal for Jurriën Timber.
The Red Devils agreed a transfer for Martínez in July and the Brazil international arrived at Old Trafford towards the end of the window. Ajax were initially reluctant to let the winger leave but were forced to give up in the end.
Antony’s sale helped the Dutch side earn €95m plus an additional €5m in potential bonus payments.
Ajax have endured a poor run in the past few weeks, managing to win only one of their last five matches in all competitions. This includes a 6-1 defeat against Napoli in the Champions League.
Ajax chief Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was asked whether he has doubts over the club’s summer transfer business. Responding to that, he hinted Antony’s move to Manchester United was a disappointment.
“You know that players leave Ajax every summer. But the fact that Antony left shortly before the end [of the window] put us in a situation that you would rather avoid.”
“It started with Ten Hag leaving. And it ended with Ocampos’ loan. In between came Bergwijn, Brobbey, Conceiçao, Lucca, Bassey, Sanchez, Wijndal, Grillitsch and Kaplan. Opposite to this was the departure of Antony, Schuurs, Martinez, Haller, Gravenberch, Klaiber, Onana, Kotarski, Labyad, Mazraoui, Danilo and Tagliafico. We were able to sell the first five for good amounts, but the rest left for little or nothing.
“We have confidence in the new players. Martinez and Antony have also been given time to develop into the players they have become here. We are convinced of the qualities of every player in this selection. Some are at the beginning of their career. They have time to grow. If you see who and how many have left, you can speak of building a new team.”
