Real Betis want to sign Man United ace Antony for a second time ahead of the summer transfer window closing.
Antony in action for Real Betis.
Real Betis hope to sign Antony before the transfer window shuts.(Image: ANP via Getty Images.)
Real Betis centre-back Natan has claimed Manchester United winger Antony is "waiting" to seal a return to the Spanish club.
The Brazilian international has been bombed out of the first-team squad at Old Trafford, meaning he did not make a single appearance during their pre-season campaign.
Alongside Tyrell Malacia, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and previously Marcus Rashford, who joined Barcelona on loan last month, Antony has been relegated to the 'bomb squad' and is expected to leave United before the transfer window shuts on September 1.
Antony spent the second half of last season on loan at Betis, scoring nine goals and registering five assists in 26 appearances, and they are keen to re-sign him before the deadline. However, sporting director Manu Fajardo confirmed earlier this week they will only be able to sign him for a second time if a deal doesn't threaten their financial situation.
It is expected Antony's only hope of rejoining the La Liga outfit is via a season-long loan deal. Now, fellow Brazilian Natan has hinted the United winger is expecting to return to the club.
Content Image
Content Image
"Hopefully he can come back and be with us for another year or two," Natan told El Chiringuito, as quoted by Football Espana. "Yes, he's waiting and we're all waiting.
"I think it's not just me, all the Betis. I hope he comes. Let's hope, I have hope."
After struggling for game time at Old Trafford in the first half of last season under both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, Antony revived his career in Spain, creating a market for himself ahead of this summer's transfer window in the process.
With two years remaining on his contract in M16, United, who signed the winger from Ajax in 2022, would need to sell him for £32.58million to avoid a loss under the profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
Content Image
Content Image
Here at the Manchester Evening News, we're dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And finally, if you'd rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.