Antony wrapped up a standout campaign in Spain, silencing critics and reviving his reputation with an impressive spell at Real Betis. Arriving quietly in January after an underwhelming stint at Manchester United, the Brazilian winger made a strong impression, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in just 26 appearances.
Under Manuel Pellegrini, Antony quickly earned a starting role and became an integral part of Betis’ attack. While his loan spell ended on a disappointing note with a UEFA Conference League final defeat to Chelsea, his overall impact has not gone unnoticed. Unsurprisingly, Real Betis are now keen to bring the 25-year-old back to Heliópolis for the upcoming season.
According to Marca, as relayed by SportWitness, Betis have already scheduled a meeting with Manchester United next week to discuss the player’s future. United, however, have ruled out another loan under the same conditions. Ruben Amorim’s side is now aiming for a permanent transfer, with United reportedly seeking to retain a sell-on clause as part of the deal. ABC Sevilla, also cited by SportWitness, confirms that a fresh loan would only be considered if it includes a mandatory purchase clause.
Will Real Betis get Antony from Manchester United for next season as well?
One key obstacle remains Antony’s salary. The Brazilian would need to accept a significant pay cut to return to the Estadio Benito Villamarín, a point both outlets emphasize.
From a realistic standpoint, it seems unlikely that Antony will return to Old Trafford as a key figure in Manchester United’s plans. Though he was brought in by Erik ten Hag for a hefty fee, the Brazilian has failed to deliver the level of consistency expected in the Premier League, and the situation is unlikely to change under Ruben Amorim. However, his loan spell at Real Betis served as a much-needed reset. There, he regained confidence and showcased flashes of the talent that once made him a standout at Ajax.
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Manchester United should prioritise securing a deal that enables them to recoup part of their investment without continuing to shoulder an inflated wage for a player who no longer fits into their tactical setup. If Real Betis are unable to fund a full transfer upfront, the most logical solution would be a loan with a mandatory purchase clause and clearly defined terms.
That said, there’s another angle worth considering. If Antony is willing to accept a pay cut and continues to perform at the level he displayed in La Liga, he could rebuild his market value and emerge as a valuable asset. In such a scenario, United would have the opportunity to resell him to a club with greater financial resources after another strong campaign in Spain.
From both a sporting and financial perspective, the most pragmatic approach would be a structured loan deal with firm conditions. It limits the risk for all involved and creates a win-win scenario, provided Antony maintains the form he rediscovered at Betis.