Manchester United completed the purchase of Anthony from Ajax for 100 million euros.
In doing so, the 22-year-old Brazilian has entered directly into several respectable lists of "most expensive players ever".
He is the second most expensive player in the history of Manchester United next to Harry Maguire and after Paul Pogba, he is the fourth most expensive in the history of the Premier League after Pogba, Romulo Lukaku to Chelsea and Jack Grealish to City and he is the most expensive player that Ajax has sold throughout its history.
Therefore, one must ask if he is really worth all this money at his young age?
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the one that determines is the man who asked for him, United coach Eric ten Haag, and in his opinion he is worth every cent.
An agreement has been reached for the transfer of @Antony00 🤝🔴 #MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 30, 2022
As someone who nurtured the Brazilian diamond, the Dutch coach is probably the biggest believer in Anthony's abilities.
The elder brother stood on the lines of Ajax when the winger arrived in Amsterdam from Sao Paulo in 2020 and at the age of 19, and from the first moment he understood that there was great potential here that could go far;
"I believe he will be Ajax's next big star," Ten Haag declared over two years ago;
"We always aim for the highest and I believe he will do his best to meet our expectations."
🇧🇷⚽️ pic.twitter.com/CrGGwbPvQ5
— Antony Santos (@antony00) August 14, 2022
Anthony, to a large extent, certainly lived up to expectations.
In 82 games in an Ajax uniform, he scored 25 goals and assisted another 22 - not unusual numbers - but he managed to catch the eye and ignite the imagination.
With tremendous control of the ball, dizzying speed and extraordinary exercises, Anthony became one of the stars of the team and a player of the Brazilian national team.
The progress he made at Ajax was tremendous - from a talented player to one who is able to play on both wings and perform dangerous actions quickly - and when the brother devil left for Manchester United it was clear to everyone that he would be interested in taking the Brazilian as a dowry.
Anthony in action.
A polished diamond?, Photo: Reuters
A special relationship developed between the two.
Just as he knew how to put in a good word when Anthony did things to his satisfaction, Tan Haah knew how to be critical when he didn't.
"He must be more purposeful and moderate the exercises he does," said the Dutchman during last year, and the Brazilian knew how to appreciate it.
"Since I arrived in the Netherlands, he gave me a lot of confidence and believed in my abilities," said Anthony about his coach, "I thank him for that and appreciate him very much."
Anthony was one of the first to congratulate Ten Haah when the latter was appointed United coach, while at the same time he waited with patience that turned into impatience for the moment when he would receive the call to arrive.
It took time - mainly because Ajax wanted to get a good amount after they also sold Lisandro Martinez to the same United for about 60 million - but in the end it happened for 100 million.
"It's sad that everything has to do with money these days," grumbled current Ajax coach Alfred Sakharoder, but that's the way it is.
Anthony is celebrating in the Netherlands.
Entered an honorable list, photo: IP
Now, Anthony is turning a financial wish into a professional one.
In Manchester United's squad you can find several players similar to the Brazilian - Jadon Sancho, Anthony Alenga, Marcus Rashford and also the injured Anthony Martial - which creates the impression that the new Brazilian is designed to play on the right side of the attack and from there to make his famous cuts to the center with his feet left.
Anthony is celebrating in the Netherlands.
moving to the biggest stage,
Assuming United's style of play continues to rely on pressing play and burst attacks, Anthony is the type of player Devil Brother really likes.
His data from Ajax shows that despite his obvious offensive abilities, the Brazilian also knows how to perform defensive tasks and participate in the high-pressure game.
In any case, his joining raises many questions and doubts the brother devil will have to provide an answer to them.
If he succeeds, no one will question whether the Brazilian is really worth 100 million.
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