Manchester United would have been hoping to cash in on Antony’s successful loan at Real Betis by selling him permanently but the Spanish side have come up with a unique proposal that might just break the deadlock.
Despite Betis’ open desire to secure Antony, they made no secret of the fact that they didn’t have the money to match Man Utd’s asking price.
It led to interest in Antony from other clubs which was to United’s liking as they could spark a bidding war.
However, their latest creative solution of ‘joint ownership’ which has multiple angles to it could be the one that finally breaks the deadlock.
Antony in action for Real Betis in Euroean Conference League, April 10, 2025
Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images
Real Betis’ creative solution for Antony transfer
For Manchester United, this is also a positive development that a player they had written off as an asset is prompting such work from interested parties.
Antony became Betis’ talisman in quick time and almost won a European trophy as well, with his form being the main reason for their ascent in the second half of the season.
However, Betis executives kept pleading poverty when it came to buying him permanently which frustrated Man Utd fans to no end.
According to Spanish outlet ABC, a solution seems to have emerged which, while it might take time, is the first step towards breaking the deadlock.
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As per the report, Betis are proposing a creative solution of ‘joint ownership’ of Antony.
Under these terms, Betis would pay United about €20 million to secure a percentage of Antony’s rights for the 2025/26 season.
Then, they will keep buying Antony’s rights further, hopefully at a higher price in subsequent years as the Brazilian impresses in Spain.
This is different from amortisation because a fixed amount is amortised over the contract length in that case. What Betis are proposing is a flexible payment structure where United end up getting more than their asking price, only over the next three years instead.
Man Utd need to negotiate hard
While this seems like a good solution at first glance to secure a long-term fee for Antony, United need to be careful and include set parameters in the deal.
They wouldn’t want a situation where Betis, having beaten all competition for his services, try to lowball United next summer, offering less than €20 million out of the blue.
A fixed fee every summer plus performance-based bonuses will be the way to go if United are to agree to a deal that allows Betis to enjoy Antony’s performances while paying for him in variable installments.
The reality is that Betis arguably face more pressure to buy Antony than United do to keep him. This is a chance to lay down a market in the negotiations and start washing away the club’s walkover reputation.