Ajax have lost a legal case over the transfers of Antony and Lisandro Martinez to Manchester United.
In summer 2022, Manchester United’s transfer activity was frantic as Richard Arnold and John Murtough attempted to appease new manager Erik ten Hag.
United signed Antony from Ajax for £82 million and Lisandro Martinez for £46 million.
It was a major windfall for Ajax, but the Eredivisie club have been in a dispute with an agency over the transfers.
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Ajax’s Antony and Martinez battle
Scouting agency GIC played a key role in helping Ajax sign Lisandro Martinez and Antony from their clubs in South America.
Martinez joined from Argentine side Defensa y Justicia, while Antony signed for Ajax from Sao Paulo.
Dutch outlet Rechtspraak reports: “The scouting agreement states that GIC is entitled to compensation if Ajax receives a net amount from the transfer of a player introduced by GIC.”
Ajax refused to pay a fee to the agency, citing a technicality. They claimed they had met all payments and there was no right to future compensation.
This led to a legal battle, which has now had a fresh ruling.
The District Court in the Netherlands dismissed GIC’s claim against Ajax, however, there has been a new ruling.
The Amsterdam Court of Appeal has ruled in favour of GIC, instructing Ajax to pay compensation.
Antony has since left Manchester United to sign with Real Betis in 2025, for just £21 million.
Lisandro Martinez is still at Manchester United and is regarded as a key first team player, but has struggled at various stages with injuries.
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