Real Betis have opened the door for signing Antony permanently from Manchester United after the Brazilian's impressive start on loan at the Spanish club. Manager Manuel Pellegrini described Antony as a “quality player” and hinted at the possibility of making the loan deal permanent this summer.
After struggling to make his mark at Manchester United, where the club paid £86 million for him from Ajax in 2022, Antony found new life at Betis. During his time with United, he struggled to live up to expectations, scoring only 12 goals and providing five assists over 96 appearances. Following his recent move to Real Betis, he has already made significant contributions on the pitch, winning the Player of the Match on his debut and scoring on his second outing.
Ramon Alarcon, the CEO of Real Betis, expressed optimism about retaining Antony and revealed he has been engaged with Manchester United about Antony’s performance. “There is very good chemistry with Manchester [United] and with the player. It is a possibility he will continue next season, why not?” Alarcon shared on Cadena Ser’s Radio Sevilla.
Pellegrini praised Antony's impact, stating, “I think it was a very positive debut. He’s a quality player. A good player doesn’t have to be constantly showing off their skills. They have to play well, make few mistakes, and do two or three important things.”
Despite Antony’s strong starts, Betis has not managed to secure wins, suffering losses and draws since his arrival. The team continues to seek the right form as they navigate the La Liga season.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich is facing challenges in negotiating contract terms with their star midfielder Jamal Musiala, whose talent has not gone unnoticed by top Premier League clubs. Bayern director Max Eberl has described the negotiations as “difficult,” but not impossible. Musiala has been at the forefront of Bayern's successful campaign, contributing significantly with goals and assists since Euro 2024.
Musiala's current contract runs until June 2026, and his stellar performances have led to demands for increased pay, estimated at around £300,000-a-week, putting him on par with the Premier League's top earners. Bayern’s president, Herbert Hainer, has expressed his wish for Musiala to become as iconic as Thomas Muller, solidifying his position with the club long-term.
The interest from clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Manchester United has placed Musiala’s camp in a favorable position during negotiations, as the elite clubs eye opportunities to bolster their squads. Bayern values Musiala at £120 million, making it clear they are unwilling to let go of one of their prized assets easily.
The prospect of Musiala moving to the Premier League generates excitement among fans, as the move could significantly amplify his development and market visibility. His unique skill set and versatility create great appeal for clubs seeking to strengthen their midfield, particularly Manchester United, who are eager to transform their game.
Despite financial challenges surrounding transfer fees and wages, securing Musiala could rejuvenate Manchester United's midfield, providing the creative spark they have lacked in recent years. His performances at the highest level, including joint top scorer accolades at Euro 2024, showcase his readiness for the challenges of England’s top flight.
Antony and Musiala's situations highlight the dynamic nature of football transfers and clubs scrambling for talent to assert dominance both domestically and on the European stage. While Antony looks to settle down at Betis, Musiala's future remains under scrutiny as clubs vie for one of the Bundesliga’s brightest stars. The coming months will undoubtedly shape both players' careers, whether they remain with their current clubs or take the leap to new challenges and opportunities within the ever-evolving football transfer market.