Head Coach Ruben Amorim of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on March 28, 2025 in Manchester, England.Head Coach Ruben Amorim of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on March 28, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Head Coach Ruben Amorim of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on March 28, 2025 in Manchester, England. | Manchester United via Getty Imag
One of Manchester United’s mega-money signings is set to leave the club this summer
Manchester United and Real Betis are in talks over a potential permanent transfer for Brazilian forward Antony this summer - with figures of around €35 or €40million being discussed, per reports in Spain.
It equates to around £29m to £33m, with Antony enjoying a rich vein of form since moving to Betis in January. The ex-Ajax man arrived at Old Trafford for a blockbuster £86m back in the summer of 2022 but failed to live up to the price tag and was subsequently sent out on loan to Spain. He has played 96 times for United, scoring 12 goals. An average of one goal every eight games. He netted just five times in 62 Premier League appearances.
However, since his arrival in Seville, Antony has netted four goals and provided four assists in 12 appearances for Betis and was part of the side that recorded a victory over Real Madrid and a win in last week’s derby with Sevilla. Betis have won their last six La Liga games with Antony in the side and have lost just once in eight matches since his arrival.
Real Betis want Antony back
Reports last month claimed Betis were prepared to offer to take Antony on season-long loan for the 2025-26 campaign, with the proposal to cover more of the player’s wages. However, United are keen for a permanent exit and the Old Trafford hierarchy are still keen to move the player on in the summer and are not having their minds changed by Antony’s improved performances.
Betis CEO Ramón Alarcón has already publicly opened the door for Antony to remain at the club beyond his current six-month loan. Now reports from Fichajes, claim that Betis are exploring ways to keep Antony but have stated that United will not want to make a huge loss on the forward. They report that figures of £29m to £33m are being talked about between the clubs, with Betis needing to weigh up if such a fee is affordable. Antony’s desire to remain with the La Liga outfit is said to be “evident” but that his future will depend on the terms the two clubs can come to an agreement on.
Permanent move for Antony suits all parties
After their victory over Sevilla on Sunday, ex-Real Madrid star Isco joked that Betis should begin a crowdfunding campaign to keep Antony at the club. Spain, like England, are set to have five Champions League spots next season and Betis currently sit sixth in the La Liga table, level on points with fifth-placed Villareal having played a game more. If Betis can finish in the top five and qualify for the Champions League, it would put them in a better position to afford Antony.
In order not to make a loss on the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules, United would need to sell Antony for £32.52 million this summer. If a deal around that mark could be struck, it would satisfy United despite it still being a significant reduction on the £86m they paid Ajax back in 2022. For Betis they get a player who has transformed their season and Antony has the chance to continue his career in an environment he has so far thrived in.
A report from the i Paper on Monday claimed United were ‘confident’ of selling Antony for £40m this summer following his form with Betis and that other potential suitors have been alerted which could prevent Manuel Pellegrini’s side from getting their wish to keep Antony.
Related topics:Premier LeagueChampions LeagueReal Madrid
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