Antony has rediscovered his form during a loan spell at Real Betis, but the Spanish club face a battle to sign him permanently from Man Utd at the end of the season
Manchester United winger Antony has enjoyed a renaissance at Real Betis, but the Spanish side could face difficulty signing him permanently in the summer. The 25-year-old was loaned to Betis in the January transfer window after only scoring once in 14 games this season. He has made 17 goal contributions in 96 appearances for United, following his £85million transfer from Ajax in 2022.
However, Antony has thrived at Betis under coach Manuel Pellegrini, and according to Spanish outlet Relevo, the club’s board are aware that his permanent signing will not be straightforward. “It wasn’t easy to bring him here and it won’t be easy to try and keep him, although it was probably harder to bring him,” a club source said.
One potential difficulty is the suggestion that United would want a transfer fee at least equal to the amount they spent on Antony, which would represent a significant outlay for Betis. Their chances of pulling off the deal may depend on what budget is available at the end of the season.
La Liga could be set to bag an extra Champions League spot next year, and Betis are eyeing this golden opportunity as they sit level with fifth-placed Villarreal in the table. A Champions League berth could mean a cash injection of at least £42m (€50m) for Betis, potentially paving the way to swoop for Antony.
The second part of their reported plan has involved Betis playing their cards right by keeping United in the loop with detailed updates on Antony’s progress and building a positive relationship with the club, which might help smooth out future transfer talks. However, Betis vice-president Jose Miguel Lopez is keeping his feet on the ground.
“When we get to that river, we’ll cross it,” he told Radio Marca. “Another club might come along with a project we can’t compete with and take him away.
“We must have ambition and excitement about having these players but we can’t go crazy either. That game hasn’t started yet. There’s nothing on the table and we still have a season finale ahead.”
Antony is settling in well at Betis, netting four goals and assists in 12 appearances. He’s even gelled with Betis star Isco, who’s keen for the club to splash the cash to make Antony’s move permanent.
“We need to do a crowdfunding campaign to keep him for at least another year,” Isco told DAZN. “We’ve noticed a change since he arrived; he contributes so much.”
Antony had nothing but praise for Isco after their derby victory over Sevilla on Sunday. “He’s a star. I’m very happy playing alongside him,” Antony said to Relevo. “As you say, when you understand Isco’s play, things become easier.”
Since leaving United on loan, Antony’s transfer value has certainly increased. However, Betis will be hoping that his connection with Isco and Pellegrini can form the third part of their plan to keep the winger for next season.
“I’m happy for him; he came from a difficult time in England; he’s young and still has much to give,” Pellegrini said. “Betis has a style that suits him. Being around technical players has benefited his game. The team operates around a footballing idea.”
Betis head to Barcelona on Saturday as their quest for a Champions League spot continues. The club are also in the Europa Conference League quarter-finals and will play the first leg of their tie against Jagiellonia Białystok next Thursday.
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