Antony is one player who looks destined to leave Manchester United this summer, with an interesting proposal arriving for the Brazilian.
This summer, Manchester United are undergoing a drastic change in the summer transfer window, with Ruben Amorim potentially set to boast an entirely new attack come August.
The signing of Bryan Mbeumo is edging closer, with Ineos hoping to wrap it up before the end of June. Mbeumo would join Matheus Cunha in the United attack, which adds 35 Premier League goals to a squad that scored just 44 last season in total.
Such high-level additions will signal the end for several at United, with Amorim expected to leave four players out of the USA tour squad: Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Marcus Rashford.
All four are up for sale, with Antony attracting interest from Real Betis after an impressive half-season on loan in Spain.
Antony of Real Betis during the UEFA Conference League final.
Photo by Alexandra Fechete/MB Media/Getty Images
How Real Betis could complete the signing of Antony from Manchester United
Despite being desperate to sign him, Betis cannot afford the asking price for the Brazilian. This has seen Betis chiefs joke about crowdfunding an Antony signing.
However, this was always unlikely, and now Betis are planning a unique ‘split ownership’ deal with United, which is a complicated move. United in Focus has spoken with transfer expert Graeme Bailey to discuss this move and how it can be completed.
“So United would sell 100% of the player to Betis – however, if say, Betis could only buy 40%, United would then retain a 60% sell-on, and that would be reduced every year until they paid the full fee.
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“I just knew they were not allowed part ownership deals like South America – but this is the way around it.”
So, assuming Betis pay £17m up front, next summer they might pay another £17m before, maybe a final payment of £6m or so, the summer after. This would result in the £40m rumoured asking price being paid off in full.
Antony is willing to take a wage cut to join Real Betis
Continuing to talk with United in Focus, Bailey adds that Antony will be willing to take a wage cut on the £200k-a-week he earns at United in order to complete a move back to Betis this summer, where he found himself a fan favourite this year.
“The thing about Antony is, he is willing to take a big drop of at least £100k-a-week to facilitate the move to Betis, something Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford are simply not willing to do.
“There is still talk of another loan deal, but what I understand is that United would prefer it to be permanent, and so do Betis, because that could help them retain Jesus Rodriguez, who is wanted across Europe.”
By slashing his wage, Antony will make this deal simple for all parties, with United not having to pay a percentage of his salary next season. This would also further establish the Brazilian as a hero in Seville among Betis supporters.