Manchester United winger Antony has embarked on what appears to be a career revival during his loan spell at Real Betis. After experiencing struggles at Old Trafford, where he was unable to consistently find his form, the Brazilian international made the switch to the La Liga club during the winter transfer window. His performances are turning heads, leading to speculation about a potential permanent transfer.
Initially signed from Ajax for approximately £86 million (around €104 million or $108 million), Antony’s move to Manchester United was marked by high expectations. Unfortunately, his time at the club resulted in only 17 goals across 96 appearances, leaving many wondering if he could live up to the investment made by the Red Devils. Following Erik ten Hag's dismissal, it became clear to Manchester United management—including minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe—that Antony’s future lay elsewhere, culminating in his loan to Real Betis.
Since joining Betis, Antony has flourished, showcasing his qualities as he has scored three goals and provided two assists across six matches. Manager Manuel Pellegrini's strategies have seemingly allowed Antony to flourish again, as he has started rekindling the talent he displayed at Ajax. His impressive showing has sparked discussions among Real Betis officials, who are eyeing the possibility of making Antony’s loan move permanent.
According to reports from Fichajes, Manchester United has communicated to Real Betis their asking price for Antony’s permanent transfer. The club is said to be demanding €50 million (£41.3 million or $52.4 million), a figure many believe may be too steep for the Spanish club. Historically, Betis has rarely splurged on high-transfer fees; their record signing dates back to 1998 when they purchased Brazilian winger Denilson for €30 million. Therefore, committing nearly double this amount for Antony could pose significant financial strains for Betis.
With such high expectations surrounding the price, officials at Real Betis may need to reconsider their plans to secure Antony for the long term. Following their initial interest, there are indications they may have to walk away from negotiations due to the financial demands set by United. Ratcliffe’s staunch stance on the €50 million asking price has made the operation seem nearly impossible for Betis at this juncture.
While the financial discussions continue, Antony has expressed considerable satisfaction with his time at Real Betis. "I am very happy here, but I do not know what will happen in the future," Antony stated, emphasizing the importance of enjoying his football once again. He has also discussed how he has been working to regain his confidence, saying, "To regain my confidence, the most important thing was to reconnect with myself. I found it here, and that's why I’m very happy and more confident every day."
Interestingly, Antony also revealed he was close to signing with one of Manchester United's fierce rivals, Liverpool, before opting for the Red Devils. "I came close to signing for Liverpool, but you never know what would have happened..." he noted, demonstrating his retrospective view of his career choices.
With Real Betis realizing their limited capacity to meet the asking price, the likelihood of negotiating a different arrangement, such as extending Antony’s loan for another season, may surface. This would allow them to continue benefiting from his revitalized form without overextending their financial limits. They had been covering approximately 84% of his £200,000-a-week wages, which emphasizes the necessity of exploring alternate agreements to facilitate Antony's stay.
The upcoming summer transfer window is shaping up to be pivotal for both Antony and Manchester United. With the club desperate to move on from Antony—given the financial load of his previous sign-on bonus—the need to finalize this situation is increasing. Selling the Brazilian could possibly aid United in reallocifying funds to bring in fresh talent, something they are prioritizing following this tumultuous season.
While it remains uncertain if Betis can secure the funds necessary to keep Antony long-term, the player’s recent remarks highlight their burgeoning relationship. Antony seems content with this new phase of his career, feeling rejuvenated and hopeful about the future. "I enjoy every day, with the club, the city, everything, and I give my best for the team," he declared, which showcases his commitment to maximizing this opportunity.
Whether Real Betis can negotiate successfully for anger removal or if Manchester United will retain Antony remains to be seen. Yet, as discussions progress, the intersection of performance, finances, and player ambition may hold significant weight moving forward.