Transfer News: Chelsea were interested in Antony long before Manchester United
Chelsea were interested in Manchester United winger Antony long before he moved to Europe, but missed out on his signature, according to former Blues scout Piet de Visser.
The 22-year-old moved to United from Ajax for a fee of £82 million, with another £4 million payable as add-ons. But, the Blues wanted the Brazilian winger during his time at Sao Paulo.
De Visser watched the young talent and so did former Ajax head scout Hans van der Zee. And while speaking to Voetbal Primeur (h/t Metro), De Visser discussed what happened.
Together with Hans van der Zee we saw him for the first time at Brazil’s youth ranks and we were both charmed by him. That was a few years ago, just before he went to Ajax. I thought he had to make an intermediate step and then Hans suggested Ajax. And then we would take him right from Ajax.
But that could not happen. After joining the Dutch club, the winger joined rivals United and made an immediate impact on his debut. The 22-year-old started the game against Arsenal and scored.
Antony broke through the Sao Paulo ranks in 2019 and went on to play 37 times for the club in all competitions, scoring four and assisting another six. Then he moved to Ajax in the summer of 2020 and established himself as a threat to reckon with.
The Brazilian international made 82 appearances for the Dutch club in all competitions, scoring 24 goals and assisting another 22. Chelsea could have done with the 22-year-old. A young player with terrifying pace and very good skill movements, he would have been a fantastic addition to the right side of the front three.
Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech have been playing on the right side for the Blues. But with a new manager in Graham Potter at the helm, it remains to be seen what tactical changes happen at the club. Nevertheless, Antony would have made a fine addition to the club.
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The 22-year-old got off to a good start at his new club but remains to be seen if he can deliver the same performance week in and out. Only time will tell if the Blues will regret having missed out on the winger.