Fenerbahce's fans cheer for their team during the Turkish Super league football match between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray on April 14, 2019 at the Fenerbahce stadium in Istanbul. (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP) (Photo credit should read OZAN KOSE/AFP/Getty Images)
Manchester United winger Antony is reportedly hesitant to complete a permanent move to Fenerbahce, even though the Turkish club has agreed to meet United’s €45 million (£38.9m) asking price, according to reports from ESPN Brasil.
The Brazilian international is a priority target for Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho, who is actively reshaping his squad. However, Antony’s preference is said to be a return to Real Betis, where he spent a successful loan spell last season, scoring nine goals in 26 appearances.
Betis’s director of football, Manu Fajardo, has made it clear the club wants to re-sign the 25-year-old but will not overextend their financial limits. “If Antony is here, it’s because the numbers add up,” Fajardo said. “The most important thing is the club’s sustainability; we can’t do anything crazy.”
Betis head coach Manuel Pellegrini echoed this sentiment, stating, “We want him back, he certainly wants to come back, but it depends on what the transfer holder, which is Manchester United, wants to do with him.”
Fenerbahce’s readiness to pay United’s asking price demonstrates their commitment to the transfer. The club has already been active in the market, recently finalizing a loan deal for West Ham midfielder Edson Alvarez. Despite Fenerbahce’s strong offer, Antony is holding out for other options, with a return to La Liga and Betis being his top priority. The situation leaves the Brazilian’s future in limbo as the transfer window progresses.