Alfred Schreuder, the manager of Ajax, has insisted that he wants to keep winger Antony with the team, even making fun of Manchester United in the process.
In an effort to force a meeting with United manager Erik ten Hag, the Brazil international has missed training sessions and was left out of the matchday squad that defeated Sparta Rotterdam 1-0 on Sunday.
Ajax is holding out for more than £78 million despite United’s £68 million offer for Antony, and sources close to the Eredivisie team have confirmed that another offer from United is soon to come.
In the midst of the uncertainty, Schreuder reiterated his desire to keep Antony on staff this summer and questioned the winger’s motivation for wanting to join a team that won’t be competing in the Champions League this year.
“I just want Antony to stay, so I assume he will not be sold,” Schreuder told ESPN. “The money in question is absurd, but we’ve already sold five or six core players. I don’t think it’s right if we sell another player.
“My feeling about that is good, but I also understand the boy. It is difficult. But we play Champions League and I don’t think Manchester United do that. We’ll see what happens.”
Asked whether Ajax could afford to reject such an astronomical offer, the boss insisted: “I cannot judge that, the club has to judge that. But I think we’re very strong financially.”
