Manchester United have completed the signing of Brazil international Antony from Dutch giants AFC Ajax on a five-year deal, with the option for another season. The Red Devils paid Ajax a basic fee of 95 million euros plus an additional five million in add-ons to complete the transfer, making Antony their fifth signing of the season after Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, and Casemiro.
Speaking to the Manchester United media, Antony credited the current first-team manager and his former Ajax boss, Erik ten Hag, as a crucial figure in his development.
“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,”
he said.
Manchester City, meanwhile, have confirmed the arrival of Switzerland international Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund.
He has signed a five-year contract with the Citizens, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until 2027, after they agreed to pay Dortmund a 17.5 million euro transfer fee.
Akanji heaped praise on City’s squad in his first interview with the club, calling the transfer the “perfect” next step in his football career.
“City have been one of the best teams in Europe over the last few seasons. They are brilliant to watch, play an exciting brand of football, and compete for trophies year in, year out, so coming here feels like the perfect next step in my career,”
he said.
Akanji has become Manchester City’s fifth signing of the season. The Citizens previously signed his Dortmund teammate Erling Haaland before adding Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips to the squad. They completed further deals for Stefan Ortega Moreno and Sergio Gomez in preparation for the 2022/23 season.
