Manchester United star Antony turned down a ‘substantial bonus’ at Ajax to sign for the Red Devils, according to Voetbal Primeur.
The report cites Mike Vermeij telling De Telegraaf‘s podcast that Antony was offered extra bonuses to stay at Ajax this summer.
Antony was not tempted and pushed for a move to Manchester United, eventually getting his way, with the deal sealed on deadline day.
The Brazilian has become a regular starter for United at Old Trafford, scoring three goals already.
Antony turned down ‘substantial bonus’
Vermeij said: “Antony has been promised a bonus if he stayed. Then he would receive several million. A considerable amount: we heard two to two and a half million euros.
“Antony seemed to agree with that, everyone assumed that he would stay, perhaps a bit naive. Then the mega offer from Manchester United came and Antony saw what he could earn.”
We shouldn’t pretend Antony is worse off financially for signing with Manchester United, where he saw an increase in his salary and signed a long-term deal.
But Ajax were certainly prepared to make him very comfortable financially if he stayed put, at a club where he was held in very high regard.
Instead he took the risk to move to the Premier League, and it has immediately looked like an inspired decision, ever since scoring on his debut at Old Trafford against Arsenal.
Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar commented on Antony’s departure this weekend in an interview with The Times, speaking of his regret.
He said: “I don’t think the way [Antony] handled it was the correct one, but it’s important all the players who leave Ajax have success because it reflects well on us.”
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