Barcelona have reportedly submitted an enquiry for Antony, valued at €40 million by Ajax, with the Brazilian forward seen as the next Ronaldinho.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Antony is viewed as the next Ronaldinho by Barcelona president Joan Laporta. To that end, the Catalan giants have made an approach to ask about the availability of the Brazilian forward, valued at €40 million by Ajax.
Antony joined Ajax from Sao Paulo in July 2020 and has proven to be the true successor for Hakim Ziyech at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The 21-year-old enjoyed a strong debut campaign in Amsterdam but has stepped his game up a notch in the 2021/22 season, establishing himself as a pivotal figure for the Dutch giants.
The player has amassed eight goals and five assists in 19 appearances across all competitions for Ajax this term. At the same time, Antony has broken into the Brazilian national side this year while also popping up on the radars of some of the biggest clubs in Europe, with one of his suitors being Barcelona.
The interest from Barcelona is understandable, considering they have struggled to score goals in the ongoing campaign consistently. Memphis Depay’s form is a major source of concern, with the Dutchman’s form dwindling after a strong start to life as a Barcelona player.
In addition, Ansu Fati’s fitness woes have not dissipated, and the teenage prodigy is currently on the sidelines with an injury. And while Ousmane Dembele looks set to commit his long-term future to Barcelona, his tryst with injuries means the Blaugrana must keep their options open in the transfer market.
The addition of Ferran Torres will bolster Barcelona’s attacking unit in the January transfer window. However, with Yusuf Demir and Philippe Coutinho deemed surplus to requirements, Barcelona should sign another wide-attacker, making Antony a viable target. To that end, the Catalan giants have made an approach to ask about the Brazilian forward’s availability.
The 21-year-old is seen as the next Ronaldinho by Barcelona, and his €40 million price tag might not be excessive either. However, it remains to be seen if Barcelona can convince Ajax to part with Antony and whether they are prepared to shell out €40 million to snap up the young attacker.
