Antony has flourished at Real Betis since leaving Manchester United on loan, but the Spanish club may struggle to meet the asking price for the Brazilian winger
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Antony
Antony has thrived during his loan spell at Real Betis(Image: Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Manchester United loanee Antony has enjoyed a resurgence at Real Betis, but the Spanish club face a battle to sign him permanently.
The winger had previously struggled to show the talent that convinced United to pay £85milllion in 2022. Despite showing promise at Ajax, Antony only registered 17 goal contributions in 96 appearances for United, including scoring once in 14 games this term.
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United agreed to send the struggling forward on loan to Betis in the January transfer window, and Antony immediately began to shine for his new club. He has quickly become a key player for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, but a permanent move to the Spanish club may prove tricky as his potential price tag increases.
Spanish outlet Relevo has outlined what Betis will rely upon to secure a permanent deal. "It wasn't easy to bring him here and it won't be easy to try and keep him, although it was probably harder to bring him," a Betis club source told the publication.
The main stumbling block would be a financial one, as it is claimed that United would want to at least recoup the transfer fee they paid following Antony’s revival in La Liga. If that is the case, Betis will hope to earn a major boost to their transfer budget by the end of the season.
Similar to the Premier League, La Liga is on course to receive an extra Champions League spot for next year. This could hugely benefit Betis, who are currently sixth but level on points with Villarreal in fifth. Qualifying for the Champions League could result in at least £42m (€50m) extra revenue, which could be used to help facilitate a move for Antony.
Antony and Isco
Antony is enjoying playing alongside Isco(Image: Irina R. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Relevo adds that Betis have fostered a positive relationship with the United hierarchy, including sending detailed reports about Antony’s progress to the club. While it is hoped that this could lead to easier transfer dealings, Betis vice-president Jose Miguel Lopez is refusing to get carried away before the transfer negotiations begin.
"When we get to that river, we'll cross it,” Lopez told Radio Marca. “Another club might come along with a project we can't compete with and take him away.
“We must have ambition and excitement about having these players but we can't go crazy either. That game hasn't started yet. There's nothing on the table and we still have a season finale ahead.”
Regardless of United’s possible stance, Antony would likely consider a permanent switch to Betis. In his 12 appearances for the club, the Brazil international has four goals and assists apiece. The United forward has also struck up a bond with former Real Madrid star Isco, who has called on Betis to ensure they find the money to keep Antony at the club.
Antony and Manuel Pellegrini
Manuel Pellegrini has praised Antony(Image: Diego Souto/Getty Images)
"We need to do a crowdfunding campaign to keep him for at least another year,” Isco told DAZN. “We've noticed a change since he arrived; he contributes so much.”
The feeling is mutual as Antony spoke glowingly about Isco after their derby win over Sevilla on Sunday. "He's a star. I'm very happy playing alongside him,” Antony told Relevo. As you say, when you understand Isco's play, things become easier," said Antony in his interview with Relevo.
Antony’s transfer value has undoubtedly improved since leaving United on a temporary basis. However, Betis will hope the winger can continue to strengthen his bond with Isco and ex-Manchester City boss Pellegrini next season.
"I'm happy for him; he came from a difficult time in England; he's young and still has much to give," Pellegrini said. "Betis has a style that suits him. Being around technical players has benefited his game. The team operates around a footballing idea."