Manchester United wouldn’t have envisioned that they’d have to make an Antony decision in the summer but they’ve been handed a good problem, albeit with a dilemma.
Antony’s loan move to Real Betis has succeeded beyond most optimistic expectations, with the Brazilian loved by the fans, teammates, and his manager.
Be it competing with the likes of Kylian Mbappe for awards, or supercharging Betis’ run to Champions League qualification spots, he’s become their talisman.
It’s a complete 180-degree turnaround for the winger much derided at Old Trafford, and Betis have now made a decision on his future that will leave Man Utd with a dilemma.
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Real Betis’ Antony decision
Antony’s success is as unexpected for Real Betis as it is for Man Utd, as evidenced by the fact that there’s no buy option in his loan deal.
Clearly, Betis didn’t want to even leave that option on the table, so distressed was the Brazilian’s value at the time of the move.
They might be regretting that now that Antony has shone at Betis, but according to Mateo Gonzalez, the head of sports at Betis’ local outlet ABC de Sevilla, Manuel Pellegrini’s side have sought a middle ground.
It has been reported that Betis want to extend Antony’s loan until the end of the next season with greater salary coverage this time.
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Currently, they pay about 84% of his salary but there’s no loan fee involved, a brilliant deal for them all things considered.
Contingent on UCL qualification, they could push for another loan deal with higher salary coverage, something which leaves Man Utd with a tough decision to make.
Man Utd’s dilemma with Antony
It is fair to assume that Antony won’t play for United again in competitive games which leaves the door open for a move.
In ideal circumstances, Betis would come with a permanent transfer fee for the attacker and all three parties would be happy.
However, Betis pushing for another loan move is a difficult decision for United because, in their precarious financial condition, another loan doesn’t help much.
They can rightly make the argument that Antony has proven himself at Betis so they should either stump up the cash of United will leverage that form to sell him elsewhere.
Antony’s wishes will also need to be taken into account because he’s clearly grown fond of Betis, and might dig his heels in and force United’s hands.
It is a good problem to have since Antony didn’t even have a market when he left United but it’s nonetheless a dilemma due to Betis’ loan stance.