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MANCHESTER. — Manchester United have signed Brazil winger Antony from Ajax for an initial fee of e95m (£82m).
The deal, which includes a potential e5m (£4.3m) of add-ons, is the fourth most expensive signing in English Premier League football history.
The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 2027, with the option of an additional year.
“This is an incredible moment in my career to join one of the most iconic clubs in the world,” said Antony.
“I’m thankful to everyone who has believed in me, especially my family, and all my coaches and team-mates, because I could not have got here without them.
“Playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax was perfect for me and my development. His style of football and coaching brings out the best in me, and I am excited by what he has told me about his plans and ambitions in Manchester.”
Antony scored 24 goals and provided 22 assists in 82 appearances for Ajax. He joined the Dutch champions from Sao Paulo in 2020 and played under Ten Hag.
He netted seven goals in 11 Champions League appearances for Ajax and scored twice in nine appearances for Brazil since making his debut in October 2021.
Manchester United’s record transfer fee is £89m, which they paid out to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus in August 2016.
The attacker becomes United’s fifth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of his former Ajax team-mate and defender Lisandro Martinez, midfielder Casemiro from Real Madrid, full-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord and playmaker Christian Eriksen on a free transfer.
United have spent more than £210m in this transfer window to back new boss Ten Hag, while several players such as Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic, Edinson Cavani and Andreas Pereira have left.
Meanwhile, Manchester City have signed Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji on a five-year deal.
The 27-year-old joins from Borussia Dortmund, where he has made 158 appearances since January 2018.
Akanji has 41 caps for Switzerland and played a key role in their qualification for the World Cup.
“I am delighted to be here and can’t wait to get started. City have been one of the best teams in Europe over the last few seasons,” he said.
“They are brilliant to watch, play an exciting brand of football and compete for trophies year in, year out, so coming here feels like the perfect next step in my career.
“Pep Guardiola is an exceptional manager and this is an exceptional squad of players, so this is an exciting opportunity for me.
“I am really looking forward to testing myself in the English Premier League and I will do everything I can to help this club be successful.”
Akanji, who began his career with FC Basel, links up with former Dortmund team-mate Erling Haaland following his move to City earlier this summer.
He is the fifth signing Guardiola has made during this transfer window as City look to win a third successive Premier League title and a first Champions League trophy.
City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “Manuel has plenty of experience playing at the top level of European football and we are confident he will be a valuable addition to our squad.
“We have been impressed with his performances during his time at Dortmund, where he has developed into a very good defender and one who is ready to perform in both the Premier League and Champions League.
“He has everything we want in a centre-back. He is strong, quick, comfortable in possession, has an excellent passing range and he will complement the other defenders in this team and our style of play.” — BBC Sport.
Online Reporter