Real Betis want to sign Manchester United’s Antony again after he starred during his loan in the second half of last season.
On Thursday, Manuel Pellegrini said Real Betis are keen on the winger and he wants to return to the La Liga side. The manager also insisted the move depends on Manchester United.
The La Liga side are looking to sign him on loan with an option to buy, or via some sort of shared ownership, and these formulas haven’t convinced the Red Devils.
Betis’ strategy is to drag it out until the end of the window, to secure a reasonable deal on their terms. Real Betis’ refusal to offer improved terms to Manchester United has allowed Fenerbahçe to enter the race.
That’s according to ESPN in Brazil, and they report the Turkish club ‘go all in’ to sign the 25-year-old in the last few hours. It’s claimed Fenerbahçe are willing to meet Manchester United’s €45m asking price.
Ruben Amorim’s side have shown interest in moving forward in negotiations with Fenerbahçe, with the Turkish club also willing to offer a significant salary to the player.
Negotiations, likely with the Brazil international, are said to be on hold because he’s waiting for other clubs, who all are looking at a loan move.
Fenerbahçe have to convince Antony to unblock this operation.
Despite all of that, there’s a reasonable chance they’re being used to pressure Betis. It makes little sense to go straight in and offer the asking price, and that could be a clue that there’s perhaps more to this than meets the eye.