Why Man Utd finally have some good news over Antony and Lisandro Martinez
Robin Bairner
- 11 Jul 2022 08:50 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United’s hopes of completing deals for Ajax pair Antony and Lisandro Martinez have been boosted for a couple of different reasons in recent hours.
Manager Erik ten Hag has been pushing for weeks to sign the winger and versatile defender, with the Amsterdam club seeking a lavish €125m for the duo.
With only Tyrell Malacia signed this summer, there have been concerns that Man Utd are not working quickly enough in the transfer market, particularly as they are faced with their own crisis in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo pushing to leave the club.
Ten Hag, then, can be heartened at developments reported by De Telegraaf, which should give the Red Devils optimism that a deal can be struck.
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Ajax closing in on Chico Conceicao
Firstly, Ajax are working hard to find a successor for Antony. The Eredivisie champions are reportedly content to see the Brazilian leave – but first they want to find a player who can replace him. It appears they have earmarked the player’s heir in the form of Chico Conceicao of Porto.
Although the deal still appears to be some way off, it at least represents a step closer to Man Utd getting their man.
Lisandro Martinez forcing Ajax exit
On the Lisandro Martinez front, meanwhile, there has also been positive movement from the Red Devils’ perspective. The Argentina defender is demanding Ajax negotiate a deal with the Premier League club. This comes in contrast to Antony, who appears to have accepted the club’s call as a business decision.
Man Utd have offered €45m plus a potential €5m to follow in bonuses – an offer that has been rejected by Ajax. Indeed, the Amsterdam club now want €60m for the defender.
After days of transfer setbacks, this is finally some positive news for Man Utd, although there appears to be no quick resolution in either deal.
