Manchester United have sealed the signing of Brazil winger Antony from Ajax for a fee of £86m.
The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 2027, with the option of an additional year, and is in line to make his home debut in Sunday’s televised Sky Sports clash with Arsenal.
The move to United sees Antony reunited with ex-Ajax boss Erik ten Hag, who has already recruited defender Lisandro Martinez from his former club, and Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord.
Antony described the move as an “incredible moment” in his career, adding that he was relishing the opportunity to link up again with Ten Hag as well as his new team-mates.
“This is an incredible moment in my career to be joining one of the most iconic clubs in the world,” Antony said.
Reunited.
EtH 🤜🤛 @Antony00 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/8le96MZnhk
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 1, 2022
“I’m thankful to everyone who has believed in me, especially my family, and all my coaches and team-mates, because I could not have got here without them.
“Playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax was perfect for me and my development. His style of football and coaching brings out the best in me, and I am excited by what he has told me about his plans and ambitions in Manchester.
“My time at Ajax was fantastic and I will always be grateful for the trust they put in me, but now I am ready for the next challenge, and I can’t wait to join my new team-mates and play my part in bringing success to Manchester United.”
Manchester United football director John Murtough added: “Antony is one of the most exciting young talents in European football and has exactly the right profile for the attacking, dynamic team Erik is building.
It's days like this that make us understand that it was all worth it, that every dream was never in vain!! Today I arrive at the biggest club in England, one of the biggest in the world and I just have to thank everyone who was part of this journey! (…) @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/2F94fPcOJd
— Antony Santos (@antony00) September 1, 2022
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“We have been especially impressed by his desire to join Manchester United, and to be part of a long-term project to get the club back to the levels of performance we all expect.”
Antony scored 25 goals in 82 club appearances for Ajax since joining, under Ten Hag’s reign, from Sao Paolo in 2020. He also has two goals and two assists in nine senior appearances for Brazil. He has won two Eredivisie titles, and a gold medal in the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Antony becomes United’s third most expensive signing after Paul Pogba (£93.3m) and Romelu Lukaku (£90m).