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Manchester United fans anticipated a mini squad shake-up this summer.
Impactful signings were expected, while those deemed surplus to requirements were set to be moved on.
The main agenda was to arm Ruben Amorim with an attack (and even a team) he could take to war.
In revamping the forward line, a few casualties were inevitable, and one of them was to be the £85 million 2022 signing, Antony.
Antony’s Betis resurgence
Unfortunately, Antony struggled at Old Trafford.
It was not until the second half of the 2024–25 season that his fans finally saw glimpses of consistency. However, it was not at the Red Devils.
On loan at Real Betis, the Brazilian offered flashes of brilliance that hinted at the player United thought they were buying.
Nine goals and five assists in 26 appearances for the Spanish outfit represented a respectable return for someone who failed to set the stage alight at The Theatre of Dreams.
His mini-resurgence brought renewed interest, but any hopes of returning to United and forcing his way into Amorim’s plans have quickly faded.
Antony loved every moment of his loan spell at the Villamarin Stadium.
BBC reports that he has told United he wants to continue at Betis, and the green-and-whites have been informed that he is even willing to take a wage cut to make it happen.
With mutual desire established, a deal would be straightforward, but it is not.
The latest from Sport suggests negotiations remain some way off from reaching a satisfactory agreement.
The Spanish outlet claims Betis are aware that United want €40 million (£34 million) for the winger.
They are not willing to pay that outright. So, would they risk missing out?
The outlet claims Betis are confident of landing Antony, noting his eagerness to return and a lack of credible competition for his signature.
Betis are aware that INEOS are keen to move on the player, but they do not intend to make it easy.
Betis’ plan for the Antony swoop
They intend to prolong negotiations and strike the deal on their terms.
Interestingly, they may agree to meet the asking price, but only if it is paid in two instalments. As Sport claims:
“The club is to wait and offer United a percentage of the player’s rights, with a mandatory purchase option next season… Betis will stand, at most, in the middle. That 50% that would mean paying 20 this year and 20 in 26-27.”
Frustrating? Perhaps. But United have a decision to make
While United may feel conned or frustrated by Betis’ approach, their desire to offload Antony could see them accept the terms.
Removing his wages from the books and recouping half the asking price now (with the rest due next summer) is not exactly a poor outcome.
Hopefully, by the time Betis complete their swoop, United still have time to reinvest those funds in a more prudent signing.
Feature image Gabriele Maltinti via Getty Images
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