Antony targeted by Real Betis: Decisive week for Brazilian’s transfer

Antony, the Brazilian forward from Manchester United, is at the heart of a negotiation that could shape his future as the European transfer window nears its close on September 1, 2025. Real Betis, where he played on loan in the second half of the 2024/25 season, is pushing to re-sign him, either through another loan or with a future purchase clause. The Spanish club’s management, led by Manu Fajardo, sees the 25-year-old, formerly of São Paulo, as the ideal addition to Manuel Pellegrini’s squad. Meanwhile, Antony trains separately from United’s main squad under Rúben Amorim, who hasn’t ruled out reintegrating him if the transfer falls through. Betis’ urgency reflects the need to bolster their attack for the upcoming La Liga and Europa League campaigns.

The interest in Antony from Real Betis is longstanding. Since May, the Spanish club has been in talks with Manchester United but faces financial hurdles. United, who paid €95 million (£82 million) to Ajax for Antony in 2022, aims to recoup part of that investment, setting a minimum of £32.58 million to comply with financial sustainability rules. Antony, eager to return to Betis, where he scored nine goals and provided five assists in 26 matches last season, helped the club reach the Conference League final.

Antony’s situation at Manchester United remains precarious. After a lackluster stint, with only 12 goals in 96 appearances, he was deemed surplus by Rúben Amorim and placed on the transfer list. With a contract until 2027 and an option for an extra year, he hasn’t started any Premier League matches in the 2024/25 season, fueling his desire for a move.

• Betis’ motivation: Antony is seen as a key piece for the 2025/26 season, especially after Johnny Cardoso’s €30 million transfer to Atlético de Madrid.
• United’s strategy: The club prefers a permanent sale but is open to another loan with favorable terms, like covering 84% of Antony’s wages.
• Tight deadline: With the transfer window closing on September 1, Betis must act swiftly to secure the Brazilian.

Negotiations progress, but financial hurdles remain

Real Betis faces financial challenges to secure Antony’s signing. Despite his success last season, the Spanish club lacks the funds to meet Manchester United’s demands. Their initial proposal is another loan, potentially with a future purchase option for a percentage of Antony’s economic rights. This approach aims to navigate their limited budget, especially after recent squad investments.

Manuel Pellegrini, Betis’ manager, has publicly expressed his desire to have Antony back. He praised the Brazilian’s adaptation to the team’s style and his clutch performances, like the goal in the Conference League semifinal against Fiorentina. However, Pellegrini noted that the final decision rests with United, who must balance financial interests with the player’s wishes.

Manchester United, meanwhile, remains firm. Rúben Amorim stated that players like Antony, training separately, can seek new clubs but may be reintegrated if they stay post-window. This mirrors the situation of others like Marcus Rashford, loaned to Barcelona, and Jadon Sancho, in talks with Roma.

• Betis’ proposal: A loan with an option to buy a share of Antony’s rights, valued at around €20 million.
• United’s demand: A permanent sale for at least £32.58 million to meet financial regulations.
• Competing interest: Clubs like Al-Nassr and Fenerbahçe have shown interest, but Antony prioritizes Betis.
• Squad impact: Antony’s arrival would allow Betis to focus on other areas, like replacing Johnny Cardoso.

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— Real Betis Balompié 🌴💚 (@RealBetis) August 21, 2025

Antony’s Betis stint reignites interest

Antony’s loan at Real Betis in 2024/25 was a turning point. After years of criticism at Manchester United, where he was labeled one of the club’s priciest underperformers, he thrived in Spain. In 26 matches, he scored nine goals and provided five assists, outpacing his United tally. His versatility as a right-winger and playmaking ability earned praise from fans and Spanish media.

His standout moments included a Player of the Month nomination in La Liga for February 2025 and having a red card against Getafe overturned. His goal and assist in the Conference League win over Fiorentina secured Betis’ first-ever European final appearance.

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Off the pitch, Antony connected deeply with Betis fans, earning the nickname “Antonio de Triana” after a Seville neighborhood. Players like Isco and Joaquín publicly backed his return, with lighthearted social media posts about “kidnapping” him to stay.

• Impressive stats: Nine goals and five assists in 26 games for Betis, compared to 12 goals in 96 for United.
• National team return: His form earned a Brazil call-up in May 2025.
• Fan support: The campaign by Betis fans and players reflects Antony’s impact.

Alternatives and market competition

While Real Betis is Antony’s preferred destination, other clubs are in the race. Al-Nassr offered €60 million, a sum United finds acceptable, but Antony prefers to stay in Europe. Fenerbahçe, Atlético de Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, and Benfica have also made inquiries. Antony’s preference for Betis complicates rival bids.

For Betis, signing Antony is critical to maintaining competitiveness in La Liga and the Europa League, especially post-Cardoso. The club has reserved the number 7 shirt for him, signaling their commitment. However, their budget, strained by recent signings, requires careful management to address other needs, like a midfielder.

• Competing clubs: Al-Nassr, Fenerbahçe, Atlético de Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Benfica.
• Reserved shirt: Betis has the number 7 ready for Antony.
• Cardoso’s sale: The €30 million from his transfer could fund Antony’s deal.

Deadline pressure and final strategies

As the transfer window nears its end, Real Betis is intensifying talks with Manchester United. Their strategy focuses on a new loan with a purchase option or partial rights retention to ease financial strain. United seeks to maximize returns to comply with financial rules.

Antony is willing to help, reportedly open to a 30% salary cut from his £150,000 weekly wages at United. His priority is returning to Betis, where he regained stability amid personal challenges, including cleared domestic abuse investigations in Brazil, though UK inquiries continue.

The ticking clock may force Betis to explore alternatives if talks stall. Pellegrini has indicated that without Antony, the club will seek another winger, potentially diverting funds from other priorities. The week will be pivotal, with meetings scheduled to finalize the deal before September 1.

• Salary cut: Antony is open to reducing his wages by up to 30%.
• Closing window: The September 1 deadline pressures both sides.
• Betis’ Plan B: Without Antony, they’ll target another winger.