According to Jorge Nicola, Liverpool are in talks with Ajax over a deal for Antony, who is also wanted by Manchester United.
What’s the story?
Well, Erik ten Hag has been keen to reunite with his old Brazilian winger for most of the summer, but Jürgen Klopp could now hijack the deal after losing Sadio Mané, Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi.
Nicola claims that Liverpool have been speaking to Junior Pedroso – Antony’s agent – as well as Ajax, with the Reds looking to bring the South American to Anfield.
However, Ajax are demanding €80m (£68m) for their No.11 this summer – in our view, Liverpool’s talks have surely involved attempts to get the Dutch giants to lower that sum.
Interest in Antony comes after he scored 12 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions last season, while also providing ten assists.
Newcastle are also interested in the diminutive winger.
Nicola adds that Liverpool are coming in “strong” for the 22-year-old, and at the moment, his future is expected to be resolved before the end of July.
The journalist also mentions that Sāo Paulo are watching this transfer saga intensely, as they are entitled to 20% of Ajax’s profit if the sale of Antony materialises.
Liverpool should leave Antony to Manchester United
In our view, Liverpool should go nowhere near that £68m valuation for Antony.
In fact, if we were Klopp, we’re not even sure we’d sign the Brazilian for £40m.
Eight goals in 23 Eredivisie appearances last season is nothing to write home about, and even those who have torn things up in the Netherlands have gone on to struggle in the Premier League.
Just look at Vincent Janssen, who joined Tottenham for £18.6m after he finished top scorer in the Eredivisie with 27 goals in 34 games back in 2016, only to score just six goals in 42 games for the north Londoners.
Another example is Luuk de Jong, who has scored 135 Eredivisie goals throughout his career, but failed to score once in 12 games after signing for Newcastle.
If Liverpool or Manchester United meet the £68m asking price for Antony, it would be the biggest risk any side make this summer.
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