Liverpool are battling several Premier League rivals, as well as Barcelona, in their attempts to sign Ajax star Antony.
The Reds have made improving their attack a priority in the summer transfer window despite already owning a deadly arsenal of weaponry going forward. Luis Diaz joined in January to add to a stacked attack, that includes Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino.
But Jurgen Klopp is not done yet and is looking at the next generation of top forwards with uncertainty surrounding the future of Salah. The latest contract offer was rejected by the Egypt international, who will enter the final 12 months of his deal next season.
It has led Liverpool to identify several wide forwards and one player that plays in the exact same position is Antony, who has been sensational for Ajax. Since filling in for Hakim Ziyech, who joined Chelsea in the summer of 2020, the Brazilian has been one of Erik ten Hag’s best players.
Liverpool are not the only club interested in the 22-year-old, though, with UOL reporting that Barcelona are also keen on landing the winger. While not named, a collection of Premier League outfits are included in the battle for his signature.
In fact, Barca see themselves as the favourite for Antony as they continue to improve their squad under Xavi. Despite the financial problems at the club, the Spaniard has brought in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ferran Torres while Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen will sign on free transfers this summer.
Should Liverpool go all-out and sign Antony from Ajax? Comment below
But they have not stopped there and the Ajax star is joined by fellow Brazilian Raphinha on their wish list with Dani Alves looking to convince his countrymen to move to Catalonia. However, if Liverpool are able to match their bid it might be too difficult to turn down the Anfield outfit.
Antony has been in brilliant form for Ajax this season, scoring 12 and assisting 10 in 33 appearances this campaign as Ten Hag’s side dominate the Eredivisie. But what has caught the eye is the youngster’s mesmerising ability on the ball.
The former Sao Paulo ace can bamboozle an opponent with his trickery, blast past defenders using his pace and play a pass that Trent Alexander-Arnold would gasp at. Klopp’s recent transfers also prove that he is the right coach to take a player to the next level.
Under the German coach, almost all of his attacking signings have paid off exponentially with the latest coming in the form of Diaz. Usually, it takes time for a player to acclimatise to the Premier League but the Colombia international, who joined in January, looks like he has been part of the Liverpool squad for years.
However, what it spells for the likes of Mane, Salah and Firmino remains to be seen, with all three rumoured to be on their way out soon as they enter their 30s. The trio will see their contracts expire in the summer of 2023 yet there has been little movement to renew their deals.
