EDITOR’S PICK
EKO HOT BLOG reports that Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Antony as Ajax lineup replacement.
According to The Mirror, Ajax has moved for 19-year-old Francisco Conceicao as potential replacement for Antony who’s keen on a move to Manchester United.
The news of Conceicao’s move was later confirmed by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who tweeted:
“Ajax are also signing all paperworks for Francisco Conceição deal. Five year contract.”
The Porto winger favours the right-hand side, where he can cut in onto his left foot, playing in the same role as United’s Brazilian target.
Conceicao has a release clause of £4.25m and with Ajax activating it, it appears that they are looking at life after Antony.
Erik ten Hag has identified the Brazilian winger, who he worked alongside at the Eredivisie champions, as his top target to solve his side’s problems on the right wing. And the move could be edging closer thanks to Ajax closing in on Porto’s Francisco Conceicao.
It comes as reports suggest United are in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Lens defender Jonathan Clauss. And United icon Teddy Sheringham has told the club to bring in a “statement” signing such as Harry Kane or Declan Rice after admitting the club’s transfer business so far this summer has left him a little underwhelmed.
In getting their man, it is thought that Ajax will be more open to the Red Devils’ buying a second player from them this summer, following Lisandro Martinez’ having agreed a move.
United are believed to have wanted a double deal to sign the Argentine defender and the Brazilian winger, although the latter’s £68m price tag seemed to scupper those plans.
With Ajax having already lost Noussair Mazraoui, Ryan Gravenberch and Sebastien Haller, losing Lisandro Martinez means that they are down four key players from last season’s first eleven.
It is therefore somewhat understandable that they should want an over-the-odds offer to part with a fifth.
However, with Ajax canny operators in the transfer market, should they feel that they have adequately replaced Antony in this window, they may be more open to market-value bids for the attacker.
Ahead of their preseason game against Liverpool, Erik ten Hag confirmed that “in offence we are still looking for players.”
And Antony would certainly add something different, as besides rookie Amad, United do not have a single left-footed attacker in the squad.
While Jadon Sancho has put in a couple of impressive performances on the right during the club’s tour, there is still some feeling that he may prefer playing off the left.
Even if he does continue his impressive run as a right winger, he would still be the only senior option on that side, with Marcus Rashford more or less tied to the left flank, and United lacking options in general.
FURTHER READING
As United look to attack with multiple “weapons” under Ten Hag, Antony is certainly one they would like to add at the right price.
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