Manchester United have finally managed to land their second most sought-after signing this season in the form of Brazilian winger, Antony. The 13-time Premier League winners were also after Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, but the lure of playing in the Champions League has kept the Dutch midfielder from going for the switch.

The total deal is worth €100 million (€95 million plus add-ons), and is the highest amount anyone has ever paid for an Eredivise player. Naturally, the question that follows is whether the 22-year-old is worth the huge price tag.

Also Read| All Ajax sales to Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson left

Antony’s performance has been stunning with Ajax last season. His dribbling, speed, and passing abilities were major factors in the Dutch club winning all of their group stage matches in the Champions League. Manchester United needed a ball-hungry attacker like him in their ranks, especially after Mason Greenwood was suspended from the club after physical abuse allegations against him surfaced. Moreover, the club lost a significant chunk of their midfield options after the last season ended, namely, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, and Nemanja Matic.

Man United have a number of right-footed players who can occupy the left wing, like Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Jadon Sancho. Being left-footed, Antony can be expected to provide the Red Devils team with the balance they require. Antony’s speed is something that will be highly useful in Erik ten Hag’s high-pressing style of play.

Also Read| Antony €100m deal sets Eredivisie record: 5 costliest Dutch league players

However, the amount of money that Ajax have squeezed out of Man United in this transfer deal is significantly high, especially for a 22-year-old who has not yet won any major trophy except the Eredivise. With Cristiano Ronaldo looking for options elsewhere, Manchester United needed someone who could be a locker room leader. Notably, club captain Harry Maguire has also been in poor form since last season and was benched by ten Hag for the last two Premier League matches against Liverpool and Southampton.

 Considering the players United’s rivals like Manchester City and Liverpool have signed this season, the price tag for Antony can appear to be somewhat justified. Liverpool and City have also signed Darwin Nunez and Erling Haaland, respectively, for €100 million each (including bonuses and add-ons). These two teams are among the best in the world at the moment, and the prospects of winning silverware are much higher with them. United needed to offer the financial boost to Antony for him to consider switching to England and play in the Europa League with them, while Ajax will still play in the European top-flight.