Transfer Centre

Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder says "everything is about money" as Antony nears Manchester United move

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 28 August 2022

Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder says that "everything is about money" when questioned on the future of Antony, who is on the verge of joining Manchester United.

Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder said that "everything is about money" when questioned on the future of Antony.

The 22-year-old is now believed to be on the verge of joining Manchester United, with the Red Devils said to have come to an agreement with Ajax over a €100m (£85m) deal.

Antony is expected to sign a five-year deal at Old Trafford, with the option of a further 12 months.

The Brazil international is set to travel to England next week to finalise the agreement, with Schreuder losing his battle to keep hold of the attacker, who has missed the Dutch outfit's last two games.

Antony started the 2022-23 campaign with two goals and two assists in three appearances, but he has not been in the squad for their last two with Sparta Rotterdam and FC Utrecht.

Ajax attacker Antony in action in April 2021 © Reuters

When questioned on the situation following the clash with Utrecht, the Ajax manager said that "everything is about money", with the sale set to be a record for the Eredivisie.

"Nowadays, everything is about money. I find this sad. But this is our world, it's very sad and I don't approve that these things are happening at us," Schreuder told ESPN.

"I want to talk about the game, not about Antony. I have said more than enough about this," the manager later said when questioned by journalist Mike Verweij.

Ajax have already sold a number of key players during this summer's transfer window, with Lisandro Martinez, Sebastien Haller and Ryan Gravenberch among those to depart, while Noussair Mazraoui left on a free transfer.

Antony went public in his desire to leave the Dutch champions on Friday evening when he gave an exclusive interview to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Ajax attacker Antony pictured in February 2022 © Reuters

"Since February of this year, my agents came to Amsterdam to inform Ajax of my desire to leave the club to face new challenge and that some interested clubs would arrive and with them, certainly a great offer," Antony told Romano.

"In June of this year, I interrupted my vacation and came personally to inform the managers of Ajax, including new coach, about my wish to leave and that they should consider this possibility, because it was a project for two seasons.

"During the window months, meetings continued and I also received a proposal from Ajax for contract renewal. I made it clear once again: I want to leave.

"Today, in a meeting with the club, I expressed my old interest in leaving, only this time with a considerable offer on the table. Others had already arrived! Ajax refused with argument that they only have five days to replace me."

Antony will leave Ajax with a record of 24 goals and 22 assists in 82 appearances following his move from Sao Paulo in July 2020.