By DAVIDSON ABRAHAM, Middle East
Manchester United have reached an agreement for the €100million signing of Antony, but the Brazilian winger won’t be available to face Leicester City on Thursday.
United confirmed on Tuesday lunchtime that they have agreed on a deal with Ajax to sign the 22-year-old, subject to personal terms being agreed and international clearance. The forward will put pen to paper on a five-year deal, with the option of an extra year.
He has been Erik ten Hag’s priority attacking target all summer, but Ajax have played hardball in negotiations and United only made a breakthrough over the weekend when they agreed to meet the Dutch champions’ asking price, making him the second most expensive player in the club’s history.
United will pay an initial €95million for Antony, with a further €5million in add-ons. He scored 24 goals and registered 22 assists in 82 games for Ajax after signing from Sao Paulo two years ago.
After the transfer was made official, legions of Manchester united fans have become curious to know when the Brazilian trickster will make his debut for the red devils.
Man United require a visa for Antony and that won’t arrive in time to allow the forward to feature at the King Power Stadium on Thursday against Leicester City. With that being said, the Brazilian winger is expected to make his Manchester United debut against Arsenal on Sunday at the theatre of dreams.