Manchester United’s transfer window is exploding into life as we enter the final three days, and sales are the agenda of the weekend.
It has been a very long summer for Manchester United in the transfer market.
From signing Matheus Cunha on June 1st, the earliest signing the club has completed in over a decade, to spending six weeks trying to negotiate with Brentford over Bryan Mbeumo.
United have also signed £66m Benjamin Sesko, who came almost a month ago at the beginning of August. But while all of these deals were being done, Ineos failed to sell any of the players who were told they could leave.
Marcus Rashford headed on loan to Barcelona, but that was the only major exit that the Red Devils managed to complete.
Now, this week has seen Chelsea agree to sign Alejandro Garnacho, with the announcement anticipated over the weekend at some point.
But breaking news on Friday night was that another sale is imminent.
Antony receiving the ball against Brighton
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Antony set to join Real Betis on permanent transfer
After months of speculation, it looks like Antony to Real Betis is finally going to happen.
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It comes as no shock after the Brazilian has made it clear he only wanted to join the La Liga side. Last season, Antony had an excellent loan spell in Spain, looking like a completely different player from the one who struggled for United.
Betis have been trying to sign Antony all summer, and now United have accepted a permanent transfer offer.
United in Focus understands, via Graeme Bailey, that prior to a deal being agreed, it almost collapsed entirely.
“Talks between the two clubs had actually ground to a halt on Friday morning, and the two clubs walked away.
“Betis’ negotiations were being led by CEO Ramon Alarcon and sporting director Manu Fajardo, but they managed to agree on terms just hours later.
“The loyalty that Real Betis showed to Antony and vice versa is admirable.”
Continuing, Bailey tells United in Focus exclusively that in order to make the move happen, Antony has accepted a wage cut.
“Antony has played his part in this by being willing to drop a sizeable chunk of his salary, something which we already knew he was doing.”
How much are Real Betis paying for Antony?
Having initially wanted a loan, due to not being able to afford Antony, Betis have agreed a deal which involves a massive sell-on to balance things out.
The Athletic has reported that Betis will pay United £21.6m plus £2.5m in add-ons for Antony, with the Red Devils retaining a 50 per cent sell-on.
United in Focus understands that Betis will be able to buy up this sell-on with further payments to United, reducing the sell-on as they do.
This could see Antony’s full value seen as around £42m, with that amount potentially reached through the payment plans.