Manchester United winger Antony has initiated legal proceedings against his former club Ajax, alleging the Dutch side unfairly fined him wages during the buildup to his £86 million transfer to Old Trafford in the summer of 2022.
Background of the Transfer Saga
Antony’s move to Manchester United was one of the most high-profile and drawn-out transfers of the 2022 summer window. The Brazilian winger was eager to reunite with Erik ten Hag, who had taken over as United manager earlier that summer. Ajax, however, stood firm in negotiations, rejecting several offers before finally agreeing to the record-breaking deal.
During the transfer saga, Antony made his intentions clear by refusing to extend his Ajax contract and missing training sessions. He was also excluded from Ajax’s Eredivisie match against Sparta Rotterdam, despite being fit to play, as tensions between player and club escalated.
Legal Dispute
According to Dutch newspaper AD (via The Times), Antony is suing Ajax for fines imposed on him for being absent without permission during the transfer negotiations. He claims the fines, issued on three separate occasions, were “unlawful.” The Brazilian winger is reportedly seeking repayment of “a few hundred thousand euros” withheld by Ajax as penalties.
Antony’s Manchester United Struggles
Since arriving at Manchester United, Antony’s career has not lived up to the expectations tied to his hefty price tag. The winger made an explosive start, scoring in each of his first three Premier League games. However, his form has significantly declined, with only two goals in 57 matches since that initial burst.
This season, Antony has fallen further out of favor. Under Erik ten Hag, and now Ruben Amorim—United’s new head coach since November—Antony has been relegated to the periphery. He has yet to start a Premier League game this season, featuring only as a substitute for a total of 84 minutes across six appearances.
Speculation Over Antony’s Future
Antony’s struggles have fueled rumors that Manchester United may consider offloading him during the January transfer window. His lack of form, combined with the legal dispute with Ajax, adds further uncertainty to his future in England.
What’s Next?
The court proceedings between Antony and Ajax are ongoing, with the player seeking to recoup the fines imposed during the contentious transfer saga. Meanwhile, Antony faces the challenge of reigniting his career at Manchester United or potentially finding a new club to rebuild his reputation.
This case highlights the complexities and tensions that can arise during high-stakes transfers, particularly when a player takes a stand to force a move.
