Manchester United are facing another tough summer of reshuffling, with no Champions League football, a bloated wage bill, and a need to trim the squad while still showing ambition under INEOS leadership.
Ruben Amorim is expected to have more control over decisions moving forward, but several players’ futures remain in limbo, especially those who failed to deliver under Erik ten Hag and have since been loaned out.
As the transfer window nears, players like Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho are grabbing headlines, but it’s a different loanee who could be the first to sort out his future.
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The spotlight is now firmly on Antony, who has enjoyed an unlikely redemption arc away from Old Trafford and is pushing for a longer stay at Real Betis.
According to Al Final De La Palmera, talks are now scheduled between Manchester United and Real Betis next week, with Betis hoping to negotiate a fresh loan deal for Antony that includes an option — or even obligation — to buy.
The Spanish side are travelling to Manchester with the hope of striking a deal that benefits all parties, especially after the Brazilian’s impressive form under Manuel Pellegrini.
Antony, who cost United €100 million when he joined from Ajax in 2022, has regained form and confidence in La Liga, registering nine goals and five assists in 26 appearances since his January switch.
Betis want to take advantage of Antony’s willingness to stay and are looking to propose terms that include sharing ownership or linking a permanent transfer fee to the club’s potential qualification for European competition.
United, meanwhile, are said to want around €40 million if they are to part with the winger permanently, though a second loan would require a contract extension — Antony’s current deal runs until 2027.
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A key element of the discussion will be his wages, which are among the highest at Betis and would need to be partially subsidised by United again if a new loan is agreed.
Antony has already been included in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad thanks to his Betis form, and with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, staying in Spain is seen as his best shot at remaining in the national team conversation.
He is reportedly committed to continuing in green and white, even turning down interest from Champions League clubs to prioritise Betis.
While his performance in the Conference League final left much to be desired — Marc Cucurella effectively nullified his threat — it may actually help Betis in talks by keeping United’s asking price from rising.
Betis president Angel Haro and key club figures remain optimistic about finalising the deal, with Haro stating before the final: “We would like to continue counting on him, of course, but it depends not only on us, but on Manchester United as well.”
For United, Antony’s return seems unlikely — and the player himself appears more than ready to move on for good.
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