Manchester United could part ways with Antony if Real Betis secure Champions League football - with a permanent transfer still on the cards.
Antony has impressed at Real Betis.
Antony has impressed at Real Betis.(Image: Getty Images)
Real Betis could prepare a permanent deal for Antony if the Spanish outfit go on to achieve Champions League football this season.
The Brazil winger has had a torrid time at Manchester United since he joined the club back in 2022 for £85million. Antony has managed just 11 goals and five assists in his 96 appearances for United, with only nine of those games coming under Ruben Amorim.
Now on loan at Betis, the 25-year-old winger looks revitalised, scoring four goals in 11 games - already surpassing his three-goal tally for United last season. The Spanish side have reportedly already opened talks regarding a loan extension, however, a permanent deal could also be on the cards.
With Amorim wanting to overhaul his squad this summer, Betis enjoying Antony's displays and the Brazilian also said to be to keen to stay with the La Liga team, a permanent transfer should be a viable option. However, Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo has outlined what his club needs to achieve to be able to make a move possible.
Speaking to Spanish newspaper MARCA, he said: "In Betis' sporting department, we work on 'devalued' players, analysing data from players who have reached very high moments and peaks, but who for various reasons have significantly decreased their performance.
"We are concerned about their situation and speak with major clubs.
Amorim presumably does not have Antony in his future plans for the club.
"In his case, we were able to anticipate and convince the player, and his entourage. Today, Antony is performing immediately from minute one in the squad.
"We haven't lost our enthusiasm, we can't rule out anything in football, and hopefully Real Betis will remain in the top European positions to benefit his continuity and the arrival of other great players."
The Champions League, which is the 'top European position' as Fajardo refers to, is certainly an aspirational goals for Betis. They currently sit sixth, a Conference League qualification spot. They will need to recover an eight point gap to fourth placed Athletic Club.
Betis have only competed in the Champions League once in their entire history, back in the 2005/2006 season. Despite frequently being involved in the top-four battle in La Liga, they seem to always fall short, making them Europa League regulars. They are currently in the Conference League quarter-finals.
The income that Betis would receive from a Champions League position could be the difference maker in whether Antony leaves United for good. However, following their initial £85million purchase, the club will be looking to sell to the highest bidder to try and limit their losses.
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