Manchester United clinched a move for Ajax sensation Antony on transfer deadline day for a staggering fee.
United paid £81 million for Antony and received a quick sign it was money well spent, with the winger scoring on his debut against Arsenal.
The winger’s career path could easily have been very different, however, with a revelation that he was wanted by Chelsea prior to his move to Ajax in early 2020.
The claim was made by Piet de Visser, described by Sky Sports as one of Roman Abramovich’s closest advisors.
READ MORE: Confirmed Manchester United transfers, ins, outs, loans, releases for 2022/23
De Visser tried to sign Antony for Chelsea
De Visser has been credited for unearthing top Brazilian talents Ronaldo, Romario and Neymar, The Sun reported, while he helped Chelsea sign Arjen Robben, Thibaut Courtois and Kevin de Bruyne.
Quoted by Voetbal Primeur, De Visser explained how he had wanted to get Antony to Chelsea.
He said: “We saw him for the first time in Young Brazil and we were both charmed by him. That was a few years ago, just before he went to Ajax.
“We couldn’t get him, I would have wanted him.”
He did concede that a more ‘intermediate step’ like Ajax was a more sensible move for the winger, and it’s certainly worked out well for him.
Antony established himself as one of the world’s most promising wingers during his time at Ajax, and has stepped up to the Brazil international squad, where he is expected to go to the World Cup.
His progress was enough for new Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag to insist on taking him with him to Old Trafford, at a steep price.
Antony certainly lucked out by landing with Ten Hag at Ajax, and United fans will certainly be very glad he is not a Chelsea player.
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