In Manchester, the ongoing summer transfer window is shaping up to be a period of calculated moves rather than impulsive decisions. One of the pressing issues on the table is the future of Antony, a signing that has not worked out at Old Trafford. As Manchester United’s board weighs up potential offers, serious interest is emerging from Spain, interest that the club cannot afford to ignore.
Real Betis have made their intentions clear: they want to keep the Brazilian winger and have already begun laying the groundwork for a deal. At Heliópolis, the club understands that only a smart and flexible approach will persuade United. To that end, they are revisiting a strategy that has worked for them in the past.
According to AS, Betis have proposed a reduced fee in exchange for a percentage of Antony’s rights, allowing Manchester United to retain a significant stake in the player should a future sale occur. It’s a pragmatic proposal designed to bypass the £50 million asking price, and one that could appeal to a United side eager to offload but not lose all potential upside.
This model is not new to Real Betis as it’s the same structure that enabled them to sign Ez Abde from Barcelona, a deal in which the Catalan club retained 50% of the player’s rights. Sporting director Manu Fajardo has already held talks with Manchester United officials, and although negotiations are still in the early stages, there has been no outright dismissal of the proposal.
As for Antony, he is reportedly comfortable under Manuel Pellegrini and, according to sources close to the player, feels both physically and mentally revitalized. He would be open to remaining in Seville if this path is pursued.
Still, it’s a delicate situation for United. The club has valid reasons to hesitate on a deal involving shared rights or reduced fees. Antony was a marquee signing who cost a significant sum, and agreeing to a cut-price arrangement could be seen as a public admission of failure. Yet, United must look past pride and focus on pragmatism.
More Manchester United News:
If they insist on a full transfer, they could be left with a player with no market value and no place in Amorim’s new system. The Portuguese coach has other profiles in mind. Reintegrating the 25-year-old Brazilian would require time, patience and internal competition in an area where Amad Diallo and possible new signings are also expected to play a more prominent role.
Leaving him in Seville is not necessarily a surrender, it could be a bridge. The Abde formula was smart and, in the context of financial fair play, could logically be repeated. If Betis accept favourable resale conditions, United could still win without assuming absolute failure. The key will be to set a reasonable percentage and not rush into anything. Because if Antony explodes again, having 40 or 50% could be worth more than keeping 100% of a depreciated asset with no playing time. On other hand, Should Manchester United accept a swap deal involving Antony for Douglas Luiz?
If Manchester United insist on a full transfer, they risk being stuck with a player who has little market value and no clear role in Ruben Amorim’s system. The Portuguese manager has different tactical priorities, and reintegrating Antony would demand time, patience, and a willingness to manage fierce competition, especially on the right wing, where Amad Diallo and potential new signings are likely to see increased minutes.
If United negotiate a favourable resale percentage, they might still emerge with a win, even if Antony excels away from Old Trafford. Retaining 40–50% of a rejuvenated asset could ultimately be more valuable than holding onto 100% of a player with limited prospects and no game time. That brings us to another possibility: should Manchester United consider a swap deal involving Antony and Douglas Luiz?