Manchester United are attempting to offload Antony, who has his heart set on a move to Real Betis.
The 2025 summer transfer window has been a success for Manchester United when it comes to incomings.
But when we look at player sales, at the time of publication on August 19, the window has been a failure for Manchester United – not a single player has been sold.
It is a particularly disappointing scenario when it comes to Antony, who was the best performing Manchester United loan player in 2024/25.
Real Betis have yet to meet Manchester United’s asking price, and Antony remains in limbo.
Antony celebrates a Real Betis goal against Chelsea
Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Real Betis director on Antony
Real Betis kicked off their La Liga campaign on August 18 without Antony, and had to settle for a disappointing 1-1 draw with Elche.
In the build-up to the fixture, sporting director Manu Fajardo was quizzed about the Manchester United winger.
Fajardo was quoted by Marca: “We have to be respectful of the situation. Maintain caution, in line with what we’ve been discussing. It’s a complex operation, given the profile of the player he is, and the profile of the club he belongs to.
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“I don’t like speculation in the middle of the transfer window. We have to remain focused on the good work we’re doing; there’s still a long way to go.”
United want around £30 million for Antony, with Betis unwilling to pay up so far.
Antony is willing to take a pay cut to land his move to Betis, and has rejected interest from the Saudi Pro League. But a move is dependent on the two clubs finding an agreement.
‘Betis reserving number 7 shirt’
Real Betis are keeping a spot open for Antony, specifically the number seven shirt he wore for the club last season.
Antony enjoyed his time at Betis last season and impressed on a weekly basis, helping them to the Europa Conference League Final.
Marca report that the squad number remains vacant, noting: “Betis has kept it for him, along with a non-EU spot.”
Behind the scenes it appears Betis are optimistic of doing a deal for the Brazilian, whether this means grinding United down, or paying the asking price.
It is in Antony’s interests to clinch a move in a World Cup year, and his representatives should be lobbying Betis privately to get the deal done.