Antony, the Brazilian forward from Manchester United, is Real Betis’ top target for the 2025/26 season, but the Spanish club is already exploring alternatives if the deal falls through. After a successful loan spell at Betis in 2025, where he scored nine goals and provided six assists in 26 matches, Antony shone in La Liga and the Conference League. The transfer window, closing at the end of August, pressures the club to finalize the winger’s future. Betis is negotiating a new loan with a purchase option with Manchester United, but the English club prefers a permanent sale. Meanwhile, Antony trains separately from United’s main squad, signaling his exclusion from manager Rúben Amorim’s plans. Under Manuel Pellegrini’s leadership, Betis aims to strengthen its roster for La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Europa League.
Antony’s interest from Betis reflects his impact last season. Arriving in Seville in January 2025 on loan, he quickly became a key player, helping the team reach the Conference League final and secure a Europa League spot. His adaptation to Spanish football and the city was praised by his agents.
- 2025 Performance: Antony scored nine goals and provided six assists in 26 games for Betis.
- Competitiveness: The club finished sixth in La Liga, earning a Europa League berth.
- Expectations: Betis seeks to reinforce the squad for three competitions next season.
Betis’ priority in the market
Real Betis sees Antony as the ideal right-winger, but talks with Manchester United face hurdles. The English club, which invested around €100 million in the Brazilian in 2022, aims to recoup part of that with a permanent transfer, while Betis pushes for another loan. Sources close to the club indicate that Betis has contacted United, but disagreements over the deal structure persist.
Betis’ strategy is clear: keep Antony as a protagonist in Pellegrini’s system. The 25-year-old found in Seville the perfect environment to regain confidence after two inconsistent seasons in the Premier League. His humility and dedication were praised by teammates, like midfielder Isco, who jokingly suggested crowdfunding to keep him at the club.
- Market value: Manchester United values Antony at around €50 million.
- Contract: His deal with United runs until June 2027, with an extension option.
- External interest: Saudi clubs and Atlético de Madrid are monitoring the situation.
- Obstacles: Betis’ loan preference clashes with United’s desire for a sale.
Alternatives on the club’s radar
If the Antony deal fails, Betis is already evaluating other right-wing options. Manuel Pellegrini has Pablo Fornals and Pablo García in the squad, but seeks a player with similar traits to Antony: speed, dribbling, and decisiveness. Names like Fluminense’s young midfielder Facundo Bernal have been offered, but the focus remains on a winger.
The European market is active, and Betis is scouting players from smaller leagues and South American prospects. With the transfer window closing on August 31, the board must act swiftly. Pellegrini’s experience, in his sixth season at the helm, is key to identifying talents that fit the club’s budget and playing style.
- Internal options: Fornals and García can play on the wing but aren’t specialists.
- South American market: Betis is eyeing young talents, as it did with Vitor Roque.
- Strategy: The club prioritizes cost-effective signings, favoring loans or affordable deals.
Antony’s impact last season
Antony’s 2025 stint at Betis was marked by decisive moments. He scored a stoppage-time winner against Espanyol and was crucial in the European campaign. Despite a loss to Chelsea in the Conference League final, where he was neutralized by Cucurella, his season was deemed a success. Spanish media praised his growth but noted his quiet performance in the final.
Off the field, Antony stood out. His adaptation to Seville’s culture and fan support strengthened his bond with the club. On social media, he thanked fans, saying he “found his smile again” at Betis. This emotional connection influences his preference to return, despite interest from Saudi clubs and Atlético de Madrid.
Competition and other suitors
Beyond Betis, other clubs are tracking Antony. Atlético de Madrid, which scouted him in 2012, has renewed interest, per the Daily Mirror. Saudi clubs like Al-Nassr are also in the race, with greater financial power to meet United’s demands. Still, Antony prefers to stay in Europe, with Betis as his top choice.
The competition puts pressure on Betis to close the deal quickly. The club has signed eight players for the season but seeks three more, including a midfielder and a striker, alongside the winger. The transfer window is critical, and the board aims to avoid last-minute surprises.
- Atlético de Madrid: Long-standing interest, but no formal offer yet.
- Saudi Arabia: Al-Nassr and others prepare bids, though Antony resists.
- Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern: German clubs are monitoring the Brazilian.
- Antony’s preference: He prioritizes Betis to maintain visibility in Europe.
Manchester United’s strategy
Manchester United, under Rúben Amorim, has no plans for Antony in 2025/26. Excluded from pre-season, he trains separately, a clear sign the club wants to move him on. United sees his value rise post-Betis as a chance to recover part of their investment. A permanent transfer is their goal, but Betis insists on a loan with a purchase option.
Antony’s situation reflects United’s squad overhaul. Other players, like Marcus Rashford, are also on the exit list. Pressure for Premier League results and financial balance drives United’s firm stance in negotiations.
Antony’s future and the World Cup
For Antony, returning to Betis is a strategic move. Called up by Carlo Ancelotti for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, he knows regular play in a competitive league is vital for a spot in Brazil’s squad. His Betis stint, where he rediscovered his form, contrasts with his struggles at United, where he played 96 games over three seasons, scoring 12 goals with five assists.
The transfer window will shape his future. If Betis can’t secure a deal, Antony may consider other European options or a lucrative Saudi move. For now, he focuses on maintaining his rhythm and visibility in Spanish football.
- Qualifiers: Antony was called up for matches against Ecuador and Paraguay in 2025.
- Career: He has 230 professional games, 42 goals, and 33 assists.
- Goal: Secure playing time to compete for a 2026 World Cup spot.
- Adaptation: Seville’s environment and Betis’ style suit his game.
European transfer market dynamics
The European transfer market is buzzing as clubs finalize squads for 2025/26. Betis, having signed players like Vitor Roque and Natan, aims to balance quality and cost. Antony’s potential return would boost the attack, but competition from wealthier clubs, like those in Saudi Arabia, poses a challenge. The board’s limited budget makes loans a viable strategy.
The market also features other Brazilians. Players like Vitor Roque, on loan from Barcelona, and South American prospects are on Spanish clubs’ radars. Betis, known for tapping South American talent, may explore alternatives if Antony’s deal collapses.
