Real Betis head coach Manuel Pellegrini has said that Manchester United need "to make a decision" over the future of Antony, as the Brazilian continues to push for a move to El Glorioso.
The Brazilian spent the second half of the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Real Betis, scoring nine times and registering five assists in 26 appearances in all competitions.
Antony is a member of the 'bomb squad' at Man United, with the 25-year-old not involved in first-team training or match preparation, as he is pushing to leave Old Trafford.
Time is fast running out in terms of the transfer window, though, and Real Betis are struggling to afford a permanent deal, with Man United believed to want in excess of £30m for the attacker.
Pellegrini has confirmed that the La Liga outfit want to re-sign Antony, but the former Manchester City head coach has suggested that a resolution is not close due to Man United's transfer stance.
Manchester United's Antony pictured on January 22, 2025
Pellegrini urges Man United "to make a decision" over Antony
"I've not spoken with Antony. We all know that he was very good here, we want him with us, and Antony wants to return no doubt. But we also need the owner, which is Manchester United, to make a decision," Pellegrini told reporters.
Antony has only managed 12 goals and five assists in 96 matches for Man United since arriving from Ajax, and the English club are keen to move him on this summer.
The forward has another two years left to run on his contract, but it is understood that the Red Devils are not interested in another loan deal, with the club relying on sales to potentially further boost their squad this summer.
Antony is believed to have turned down the chance to make the move to Saudi Arabia, in addition to other clubs in Europe, as he is so determined to secure a return to Real Betis.
On loan Manchester United winger Antony during Real Betis' game against Vitoria Guimaraes, on March 6, 2025
Real Betis brand Antony move "a very complex operation"
Real Betis' sporting director Manu Fajardo recently confirmed that his club are working on a deal for Antony but branded it "a very complex operation".
"We all have to be aware that this is a very complex operation. Given the player’s level and his recent career at Real Betis, it’s not an easy transaction," Fajardo told Estadio Deportivo.
"But, as long as Antony hasn’t committed to a third party, we, with the utmost humility, will play our cards to be able to opt for Antony. I insist, despite this being a complex operation, we will try to carry it out in different ways without compromising the club.
"In the end, the most important thing is also the sustainability of the club. We will try to be creative, as we have been in the past, so that Antony can be here. Today, the market is open, as I said before, it’s very dynamic, and we are part of that game."
Antony helped Real Betis secure a sixth-placed finish in La Liga last season, in addition to playing a role in the team reaching the final of the Conference League.
ID:579764:1false2false3false: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4196: