Antony was set to leave Manchester United for Real Betis in a cut-price £21.6million deal but the transfer has now been called off with the Spanish side pulling out of the move
10:00, 30 Aug 2025Updated 10:01, 30 Aug 2025
Antony is the second most expensive signing in Manchester United's history
Antony is the second most expensive signing in Manchester United's history
Antony has broken his silence after his proposed move from Manchester United to Real Betis collapsed at the final hurdle.
The Spanish outfit released a statement on Friday pulling out of the deal, despite the Red Devils having already agreed to the transfer terms as they looked to offload one of the Premier League's worst ever flops, who Erik ten Hag signed for a staggering £82m in 2022.
A fee of £21.6million had been settled for the Brazilian winger, who had an impressive loan spell with Betis last season. An additional £2.6m was due in performance-related bonuses, with United facing a massive £60m loss on the former Ajax star, though they would have retained 50% of any future transfer profit.
However, complications arose over financial arrangements. With two years left on his Old Trafford deal, Antony commands a substantial wage packet that he's reluctant to sacrifice. Neither Betis nor United were prepared to bridge the salary gap, and the 25-year-old is reportedly unwilling to forfeit his earnings, reports the Mirror.
Betis issued a statement late Friday evening explaining: "There is no agreement and we have withdrawn the transfer offer because Real Betis can't afford the transfer fee and the amounts that Manchester United must [instead] pay the player before the transfer."
Antony's Manchester United career has been a massive disappointment
Antony's Manchester United career has been a massive disappointment(Image: Getty Images)
United bosses suspect the Seville club's position is simply a negotiating ploy. Meanwhile, Antony - who has contributed a mere five goals in 62 Premier League appearances at Old Trafford - appears unfazed by the situation.
Taking to Instagram, the winger shared a story featuring a photo of himself dining with mates at what looks like a restaurant. Antony included a philosophical message with his post.
"Among family and friends, life always has a big surprise in store for us," he penned. Antony moved to the Spanish team on loan during the winter transfer window and made a significant impact during his stint with the club.
The Brazilian international played a key role in guiding the side to the UEFA Conference League final, where they were defeated by Chelsea, and seemed to have formed a strong bond with the club.
He returned to Manchester this summer as part of the so-called 'bomb squad'. Antony was sidelined from first-team preparations along with Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia.
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Rashford has since been loaned out to Barcelona, while a £40m deal has been agreed with Chelsea for Garnacho. With just days left of the transfer window, Antony appears set to join the other two players in a state of uncertainty.