Antony's Near Miss: How He Almost Joined Manchester United's Biggest Rivals

Natalie Brooks

4 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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Liverpool's Initial Interest and Scouting

Liverpool's scouting network, renowned for its meticulous approach, had identified Antony's potential early on during his time at Ajax. The exciting winger's electrifying pace, skillful dribbling, and eye for goal made him a compelling transfer target. Reports suggest Liverpool scouts were present at several key Ajax matches to assess Antony's abilities firsthand. While concrete details about specific offers or negotiations remain scarce, there's ample evidence suggesting significant interest from Anfield.

• Intensive Scouting: Liverpool's scouting department compiled detailed reports on Antony's performances, highlighting his strengths and weaknesses.
• Key Matches Observed: Scouts were reportedly present at crucial Eredivisie matches and Champions League games featuring Antony, meticulously documenting his contributions.
• Initial Contact: Although unconfirmed, whispers of initial contact between Liverpool representatives and Ajax officials circulated in the footballing press.

Why Liverpool's Pursuit Stalled

Despite early interest, Liverpool's pursuit of Antony ultimately stalled. Several factors contributed to this near miss. One significant hurdle was Ajax's high valuation of the player. They were unwilling to let go of their prized asset cheaply, demanding a significant transfer fee. This price tag, coupled with Liverpool's known transfer strategy and budgetary limitations, proved a major obstacle. Furthermore, Liverpool were simultaneously pursuing other attacking targets, potentially diverting resources and focus away from Antony.

• High Antony Valuation: Ajax's asking price for Antony was reportedly exceptionally high, exceeding Liverpool's budget for the position at that time.
• Liverpool's Transfer Strategy: Liverpool operates with a carefully planned transfer strategy, prioritizing value and avoiding overspending. Antony's price tag may have been deemed excessive.
• Competing Targets: Liverpool were also reportedly interested in other attacking players, leading to a distribution of resources and potentially delaying or abandoning the pursuit of Antony.

Manchester United's Decisive Move

While Liverpool hesitated, Manchester United, under the guidance of Erik ten Hag (who had previously managed Antony at Ajax), swooped in with a decisive bid. The personal relationship between manager and player played a crucial role. Ten Hag’s understanding of Antony’s style and capabilities, coupled with the financial might of Manchester United, proved irresistible. This allowed them to secure the winger's signature, overcoming the challenges that had hampered Liverpool's efforts.

• The Ten Hag Factor: Erik ten Hag's familiarity with Antony and his playing style was key in convincing the player to move to Old Trafford.
• A Decisive Bid: Manchester United submitted a substantial offer that satisfied Ajax's valuation, sealing the deal.
• Competitive Market: Manchester United’s strong financial position allowed them to compete effectively in the transfer market, ultimately securing Antony amidst considerable interest from other clubs.

The Impact of Antony's Choice

Antony's decision to join Manchester United, instead of Liverpool, has had a discernible impact on both clubs. At Manchester United, he's added flair and creativity to the attack, showcasing his impressive dribbling skills and goal-scoring ability. Had he joined Liverpool, however, his presence could have added another dimension to their already potent attacking line-up. A hypothetical scenario suggests a potentially stronger Liverpool side capable of challenging for even more titles. The Premier League landscape may have been considerably altered.

• Antony's Manchester United Impact: He has contributed significantly to Manchester United’s attacking prowess with goals and assists.
• Hypothetical Liverpool Impact: Antony's addition to Liverpool's squad would have created a formidable attacking force, potentially changing their league standings and cup runs.
• Style of Play Differences: Antony's direct and skillful style would have complemented Liverpool’s existing attacking players differently than it has with his current Manchester United teammates.

Conclusion

Antony's near miss with Liverpool serves as a compelling reminder of the unpredictable nature of football transfers. The combination of high transfer fees, managerial relationships, and club strategies all played crucial roles in shaping Antony's career path. Liverpool’s initial interest, the reasons for their stalled pursuit, Manchester United’s successful bid, and the significant impact of Antony’s choice—all contribute to a fascinating transfer saga. Learn more about other dramatic near misses in the footballing world and stay updated on the latest transfer news! Read more about Antony's career and impact on Manchester United to understand the full extent of this fascinating near-miss.