Antony’s transfer saga has stretched due to Real Betis’ inability, or unwillingness, to meet Manchester United’s asking price, but the Spanish press are now convinced he’s done in England.
Not even the most optimistic individual could have predicted how well Antony’s loan spell at Real Betis would go, considering the circumstances he moved in.
However, after six months of talismanic displays, Antony earned himself many interested parties, and one desperate party who wanted to keep him.
Antony’s choice is Real Betis as well, since he knows he can flourish there, and the Spanish press have noticed his social media activity to ascertain that he’s on his way now.
Antony before he takes on Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League semi-final
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The social media scrutiny that follows every Man Utd player is unmatched, something Manuel Ugarte alluded to recently.
That scrutiny ramps up several levels when the said player is the subject of a transfer saga, which is where Antony finds himself.
From July 1, Antony is back to being a Manchester United player, with his loan spell at Betis finishing officially.
With United set to return to pre-season training on July 7, the clock is ticking for him to either find a move or begin an awkward reunion at Carrington.
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According to the Spanish press, however, he already has one foot out of the door at Old Trafford and into Real Betis.
Estadio Deportivo took screenshots of his Twitter and Instagram profiles, which still say that he’s officially a Real Betis player, a factually incorrect claim at the time of writing.
They add, “It is a detail that could be considered anecdotal, but which is undoubtedly very revealing, and stands as a new wink from the Brazilian star, willing to put pressure on Manchester in every way possible.”
El Mira list various activities by Antony that hint the same, writing, “After seeing him flaunt his green and white colors on vacation all summer; whether playing with Real Betis in EA Sports FC 25, training in the green and white shorts, or sharing his best moments at the club on social media. He did the latter again on Tuesday morning, July 1st. Now, no longer part of the squad, the Brazilian shared a video on social media with LaLiga featuring his best moments at Real Betis. Antony continues to use his green-and-white photos as his profile picture on his social media accounts.”
ABC go a step further, claiming that a deal for his joint-ownership is already in place, only the deal with his agents remains to be finalised.
Mundo Deportivo echo the same sentiment, bringing up his social media and writing, “Antony hasn’t tired of repeating that his desire is to continue playing for Real Betis, despite having a current contract with Manchester United, and he remains determined to do everything he can to make it happen.”
Man Utd should remain unfazed by Real Betis’ games
The fact that all the coverage of Antony being close to Betis, and how he wants to join nobody else, is coming from Spain, which only points to one thing.
Betis haven’t been shy about using the media, either through “sources” or via statements by their directors, to tempt Antony.
They want the player to back United into a corner to soften the terms of a potential agreement, but United need to be wise to it.
There is clearly an element of “jumping the gun” with these reports from the Spanish press, designed to put United in a state of rush and panic.
Betis’ desperation couldn’t be more clear and obvious, and for once, United hold the cards, despite Antony’s choice of club.
Betis need Antony more than United need to sell him, so they can stand firm on their demands and make Betis succumb, especially since they’re newly flush with cash.
It’s a fair bet to make that Jason Wilcox and Co. won’t be fazed by the Spanish press trying to hurry along this deal, undoubtedly at the beck and call of Betis.