Manchester United have finally put an end to one of their worst transfers in history.
It came to light a couple of days ago that United had agreed to a €25 million (£21.6m) package for the transfer of Brazilian winger Antony.
However, reports claimed that Betis withdrew their offer because they wanted United to cover the multi-million-pound salary reduction Antony would face by leaving Old Trafford.
The Athletic have now revealed that the Red Devils will “make no further payment to the player”.
United have smartly inserted a 50% sell-on clause, ensuring they cash in if Betis sell Antony for a profit in the future.
It marks a rare show of strength from INEOS, who had looked vulnerable during talks for Bryan Mbeumo and Alejandro Garnacho, but have emerged victorious in this case.
They are stamping their authority by not handing a severance package to the player, something that became the hallmark of the club’s previous mismanagement.
Antony first arrived at Old Trafford in 2022 from Ajax in a staggering £85m deal.
The move was orchestrated by then-manager Erik ten Hag, who was desperate to reunite with his former player.
That desperation proved costly, with United ultimately paying nearly double the winger’s true market value.
After scoring three goals in his first three games at United, Antony failed to live up to expectations.
He made 96 appearances but managed only 12 goals and five assists.
Last season, he managed just 135 minutes of Premier League action before being shipped out on loan to Betis in January.
The 25-year-old found his form again in Spain, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 26 games.
Antony was among the infamous five-man ‘bomb squad’ banished from the first team by manager Ruben Amorim at the start of pre-season.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com