Dani Alves is reportedly pushing fellow Brazilian international Antony to join Barcelona from Ajax in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Brazilian outlet UOL, Dani Alves is lobbying for former Sao Paulo teammate Antony to join Barcelona in the summer transfer window. The Brazilian international is valued at around €40 million by Ajax.
Antony has come leaps and bounds since joining Ajax from Sao Paulo in July 2020, filling the void left by the departure of Hakim Ziyech. And just like Ziyech before him, the 22-year-old has established himself as a pivotal figure for the Dutch giants, making the right-wing berth his own.
The Brazilian international has enjoyed an excellent 2021/22 campaign thus far, amassing 12 goals and ten assists in 33 appearances across all competitions. And Antony’s exploits have not gone unnoticed, with some of the most high profile clubs in Europe, including Barcelona, setting their sights on him.
The interest from Barcelona stems from the rampant uncertainties surrounding the future of Ousmane Dembele. The Frenchman has been enjoying a resurgence in the past month at Barcelona but remains poised to depart Camp Nou as a free agent as things stand.
With Barcelona and Dembele no closer to reaching an agreement over a bumper new deal, the Catalan giants need to keep their options open. In addition, there are no guarantees that Barcelona will be able to sign Adama Traore permanently in the summer transfer window, making Antony a viable target.
The 22-year-old is valued at around €40 million by Ajax, and the price tag could pose a problem for Barcelona. But there is still a long way to go before the La Liga heavyweights cross that bridge, as before that, Dani Alves is pushing the Brazilian international to join the Blaugrana ahead of the 2022/23 season.
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If a €40 million move for Antony does not materialise, Barcelona could turn attention towards another Brazilian international, Raphinha, who reportedly prefers joining them instead of other suitors like Liverpool. As for the pursuit of Antony, the 22-year-old will have a big decision to make in the summer transfer window, especially with Dani Alves coaxing him to join Barcelona.
