Manchester United announce Antony signing and why they have bought him

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Antony from Ajax in a deal rising to €100million (£85.5m).

Antony, 22, is set to sign five-year contract with the option of an additional year and becomes the club's second-most expensive signing. United have paid Ajax €95m up front, with €5m due in add-ons. The fee includes a solidarity payment to Sau Paulo, Antony's first professional club.

United announced the deal had been completed subject to international clearance and personal terms being agreed. It is understood Antony won't be eligible for the United squad to face Leicester in the Premier League on Thursday night, due to visa issues.

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The signing of Antony means United's investment in signings since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 would soar to £1.418bn.

The Manchester Evening News revealed last week United were due to bid again for Antony and remained confident of signing the Brazil international.

For most of the summer, United have been reluctant to meet Ajax's valuation of the player and club figures doubted a deal was doable at the start of July. PSV's Cody Gakpo was on the club's radar as an alternative.

United's disastrous defeats to Brighton and Brentford prompted more proactive movement in the transfer market, with Casemiro bought for a fee rising to £70m despite manager Erik ten Hag's fixation on Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

Antony was always Ten Hag's priority target in attack and Ajax's bargaining position was strengthened by the £46.8m they banked up front from the sale of Martinez to United and the fact United were the only club willing to buy Antony. Ten Hag wanted a left-footed forward to balance out