Real Betis are working tirelessly to bring Antony back to Spain, but Manchester United are holding firm on their stance. With the transfer window entering its final days, talks remain ongoing between the two clubs, yet the sides remain far apart on the structure of the deal.
Betis Want a Loan, United Insist on a Sale
Betis are pushing for another loan arrangement, similar to the one that saw Antony thrive under Manuel Pellegrini last season. The Spanish club hope to use creative financial structuring to make the move possible, with proposals involving covering at least half of the winger’s salary and partial rights from next season.
United, however, have made it clear that they will no longer entertain loan proposals. The message from Old Trafford is blunt: Antony will only leave if a permanent offer arrives before deadline day. If not, he risks being sidelined until at least January.
Pellegrini’s Influence and Antony’s Preference
Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini has made no secret of his admiration for Antony. The Chilean coach has repeatedly pushed for his return, seeing the Brazilian as a key attacking weapon for the new campaign.
Antony himself is fully behind the move. After a turbulent time at Manchester United, he found both confidence and consistency at Betis. His return would not only strengthen their attacking options but also bring back a player who already proved decisive in European competition.
United’s Financial Pressure
For United, Antony’s departure represents more than just a squad decision. The winger was signed from Ajax in 2022 for a staggering £86 million, a fee that has since come to symbolize questionable recruitment under the club’s previous leadership. Selling him now, even at a significant loss, would help free up funds for new arrivals, with United still pursuing late-window reinforcements, including a marquee goalkeeper.
The club’s hierarchy have already identified Antony as one of several players they want out before September 1. Along with Jadon Sancho and others, his exit forms part of a wider purge aimed at resetting the squad and balancing the books.
A Defining Few Days
The coming days could define Antony’s future and Betis’ ambitions. On one hand, United’s refusal to sanction another loan leaves Betis scrambling to piece together a financial package strong enough to convince them. On the other, Betis know that Antony’s willingness to return and Pellegrini’s insistence could tip negotiations in their favor.
The winger’s future now hangs in the balance. Will Manchester United stick to their hardline stance and freeze him out until January? Or will Betis find a breakthrough and complete one of the most intriguing moves of the summer?
With the deadline fast approaching, the Antony saga is set to be one of the final transfer stories to watch in what has been a dramatic window for both clubs.
