Antony Finds New Life at Real Betis
Manchester United’s Brazilian winger, Antony, has been making waves in La Liga since joining Real Betis on loan in January. The 25-year-old, who has struggled for game time since joining United in 2022, has found a new lease on life in Andalucia. His move to Real Betis, under the guidance of manager Manuel Pellegrini, has been a breath of fresh air, with the player himself admitting that the change was necessary to reignite his career. Now, Real Betis is keen to keep Antony at the club next season, with his performances on the pitch making a strong case for a permanent deal.
Struggles at Old Trafford
Antony’s journey to Real Betis is a story of perseverance and adaptability. Since his £82 million move from Ajax to Manchester United in 2022, the Brazilian has found himself increasingly marginalized. The arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim in November 2023 only exacerbated the situation, as the new manager was not convinced by Antony’s ability to fit into his 3-4-3 tactical system. Antony managed just five goals and three assists in his first two seasons at United, and his contributions in the 2024/25 campaign have been non-existent. The reduced game time and lack of impact at Old Trafford pushed Antony to seek a new challenge, and Real Betis presented a perfect opportunity.
Shining in Spain
At Real Betis, Antony has wasted no time in making an impression. In a matter of months, he has already scored two goals and provided two assists in La Liga, showcasing the form that made him a sought-after talent in Europe. His skill, pace, and dribbling ability have been on full display, and he has quickly become a fan favorite at the Benito Villamarín Stadium. The change in environment and playing style has clearly benefited Antony, and he has expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play more regularly and contribute to the team’s success.
Contract and Financial Challenges
Despite his impressive form at Real Betis, the path to a permanent move is fraught with financial challenges. Antony’s current contract with Manchester United runs until 2027, and United is looking to recoup as much of the £82 million they paid Ajax for him as possible. The club has set an initial asking price of £41 million for Antony, a sum that Real Betis is unable to meet. Additionally, Antony’s annual salary of £11.5 million is a significant burden for the La Liga side. To address these issues, Real Betis is exploring multiple options, including a loan deal with a reduced mandatory purchase clause that would fall within their budget for 2026.
Real Betis’ Loan Proposal
Real Betis is considering offering Manchester United another loan deal, this time for the full 2025/26 season. The proposal would include a reduced mandatory purchase clause, making the deal more financially viable for the Andalusian club. The hope is that Antony’s continued positive performances will justify the investment, and the reduced financial burden will make the deal more appealing to Manchester United. However, it remains to be seen if United will accept these terms, especially as Antony’s resurgence in Spain has attracted the attention of other clubs.
Future Prospects and Club Competition
The interest from other clubs in Antony’s future adds another layer of complexity to the situation. With his form in La Liga, it is no surprise that other teams are considering a bid for his services. Manchester United’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, is also expected to offload several underperforming players in the coming months, making the decision to sell Antony a strategic one. The Red Devils will need to weigh the financial benefits of a sale against the potential long-term value of retaining a player who could still have a bright future at the club. For Real Betis, securing Antony on a permanent basis would be a significant coup, but the financial and competitive landscape means that the club must be strategic and patient in its negotiations.
