Manchester United winger Antony is being chased by Real Betis in the final days of the summer transfer window, and his social media activity hints he's banking on the move
Antony, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen of Manchester United react during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley
Antony is taking the patient approach to get the move he wants this summer
(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Old Trafford misfit Antony is seemingly standing firm in his desire to leave Manchester United as discussions with Real Betis continue. The Spanish side are pushing on in their bid to reunite with the winger, who played a key role in their success last season.
Antony joined United as their third-most expensive signing ever when he moved to Old Trafford from Ajax for a staggering £82million three years ago. However, reports suggest he could depart for less than half that amount as Betis aim to secure a deal, with negotiations between the two clubs ongoing since Monday.
The Sun report (via The Mirror) that Antony could return to Manuel Pellegrini's squad on a second loan deal, which would cost them £3m this summer. This would be followed by a proposed permanent deal for an additional £33m in 2026, and Antony's social media activity suggests he's hoping for a return to Seville.
The Brazilian, who has previously hinted at a desire to return to Spain, recently posted a motivational image on his Instagram story. The post featured a picture of a lion along with some inspiring words, seemingly referencing his recent struggles at United.
"Pain makes you stronger. Fear makes you braver. Patience makes you wiser," read the caption. This third statement in particular appears to suggest Antony is playing the long game in his efforts to resurrect a career that fell off the rails in Manchester.
Despite his hefty price tag when he joined United, Antony struggled to make an impact, with only eight goal contributions in 62 Premier League appearances. He was loaned out to Betis by Ruben Amorim in January 2025 and quickly found form, matching his Premier League goal tally in just 17 La Liga games.
Ruben Amorim, head coach of Manchester United, looks on with Antony
Ruben Amorim doesn't appear to be invested in Antony as a United player
He's not the only player Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Red Devils are reportedly looking to offload in the closing stages of the transfer window, with Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho also seemingly surplus to Amorim's requirements.
Betis manager Pellegrini has expressed his wish to bring Antony back to Seville following his successful stint there. However, a permanent deal has been hard to negotiate due to Los Verdiblancos' financial limitations making it difficult to meet United's valuation of the player.
"We all know how important Antony was here," Pellegrini stated at a press conference earlier this week. "Let's see if he can make it, hopefully."
Antony playing for Real Betis
The Brazilian recaptured some of his lost form on loan in Seville
Antony's prospects of carving out a future under Amorim took a hit this summer when Bryan Mbeumo was brought in as the manager's new right winger. His resurgence in Spain did generate interest in a player whose value seemed to be dwindling, but Betis seem to be the only serious contender interested in striking a deal.
United could potentially lose £46m on their player if a deal totalling £36m (£3m loan plus £33m permanent fee) is agreed. However, the English heavyweights would need substantial assurances Betis would honour that obligatory investment in 2026.
Sancho, another player who didn't quite fit in, spent the previous season on loan at Chelsea before the Blues chose to pay United an extra £5m just to avoid signing the player permanently. The Red Devils are keen to avoid a similar situation as they aim to streamline their squad and recover more funds after a summer of significant spending.