Antony’s Revival in Seville Sparks Transfer Talks
Real Betis are reportedly eager to reopen discussions with Manchester United over the future of Brazilian winger Antony, according to a report by the Daily Mail. After a highly impressive loan spell in Spain, the Andalusian club are pushing for another loan move—this time with a £35 million option to buy.
United paid £86 million for Antony in 2022 in what was expected to be a transformative signing under Erik ten Hag. But after just 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances, the Brazilian struggled to justify the enormous fee. As the Daily Mail highlights, Antony “failed to live up to the £86m fee the Red Devils paid Ajax for his services.”
Fresh Start in Spain: A Career Rekindled
A change of scenery in Seville appeared to be the spark Antony desperately needed. In just 26 appearances, he recorded 14 goal contributions—almost matching his entire United output in less than a third of the time. The 25-year-old was instrumental in Betis’ upturn in form, guiding them to the UEFA Conference League final, where they ultimately fell short with a 4-1 defeat to Chelsea.
Following that final, Antony offered an emotional farewell:
“Today one of the most beautiful chapters of my life closes… With you, I smiled again… With you, football became love again. True love.”
This open letter, narrated over his highlight reel, was a heartfelt expression of gratitude—and perhaps, a subtle nudge toward making his stay permanent.
Amorim’s Plans and United’s Dilemma
Ruben Amorim is reportedly planning a squad overhaul at Old Trafford, and it appears Antony does not fit into his future plans. The situation presents a dilemma for United: do they give Antony another shot in red, or accept a significant loss and move on?
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Betis’ £35m proposal would mark a £51m loss, but it could also offer financial breathing room for other targets. For a player with no guaranteed starting spot and a history of inconsistency in England, United may consider the offer pragmatic, if not ideal.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Manchester United fan’s point of view, Antony’s loan spell at Betis was refreshing—but also frustrating. It’s the classic case of a player who flounders at Old Trafford only to flourish elsewhere. His revival in Spain shows there’s still talent in there, but does it justify another chance?
Let’s be honest—£86 million for 12 goals and five assists in 96 games was daylight robbery. You don’t spend that kind of money for a highlight reel winger who delivers moments, not matches. While his emotion and connection with Betis is admirable—and even moving—it also suggests he’s found a better fit there than in Manchester.
If Ruben Amorim is willing to draw a line under the Ten Hag era’s expensive missteps, Antony should be among the first to go. £35 million may feel like pennies compared to what we paid, but it’s not zero—and more importantly, it frees up wages and space in the squad.
It’s not personal. Antony gave what he had. But if he rediscovers his “joy” in LaLiga, then maybe he was never the right fit for the Premier League grind. Thanks for the memories—but let’s not drag this out. Mucho Betis? Fair play. Mucho luck.