Brazilian forward Antony, aged 25, finalized his permanent transfer from Manchester United to Real Betis on September 1, 2025, in a €25 million deal, including performance-related bonuses. The move, completed in the final hours of the transfer window, ends his underwhelming stint at the English club. Antony, who shone during a loan spell at Betis last season, returns to Spain for medical examinations and to sign a five-year contract. The transfer aligns with manager Rúben Amorim’s strategy to overhaul United’s squad, while Antony aims to recapture the form that made him a standout in La Liga.
Antony’s time at Manchester United, starting with a €95 million move from Ajax in 2022, fell short of expectations. Despite a promising start, scoring in his first three Premier League games, he struggled for consistency, managing only 12 goals and five assists in 96 matches. Under Amorim, he was deemed surplus, training separately during pre-season alongside players like Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho.
At Real Betis, Antony rediscovered his form in 2025. During his loan, he scored nine goals and provided five assists in 26 games, playing a key role in Betis’ sixth-place La Liga finish and their run to the Conference League final. Fans and the club’s board celebrated his return, with Antony expressing relief at leaving a challenging period in Manchester.
- Antony’s 2025 Betis stats: Nine goals, five assists in 26 matches.
- La Liga impact: Pivotal in the Conference League semifinal and league campaign.
- United contract: Had two years left until 2027 before the transfer.
- Deal value: €22 million fixed, up to €3 million in bonuses.
Transfer details
The transfer to Real Betis involved a €25 million fee, with €22 million paid upfront and €3 million tied to performance milestones, such as minutes played and team achievements. Manchester United secured a 50% sell-on clause for future profits, safeguarding potential gains if Antony is sold again. Negotiations faced hurdles, as Betis initially balked at Antony’s €6 million annual salary and the transfer fee. A salary reduction by the player and last-minute talks finalized the deal.
The five-year contract reflects Betis’ confidence in Antony’s ability to lead their attack. He arrived in Seville for medicals, with an official presentation expected this week. Fans, who embraced him during his loan, are planning a warm welcome.
Antony’s career path
Antony rose through São Paulo’s youth ranks before moving to Ajax in 2020, where he excelled, winning two Dutch titles. His €95 million transfer to Manchester United was among the club’s most expensive, but he struggled to adapt. Personal challenges, which he later discussed, impacted his time in England.
- São Paulo (2018-2020): Broke through from the youth setup, debuted in 2018.
- Ajax (2020-2022): 24 goals, 22 assists in 82 games, two Eredivisie titles.
- Manchester United (2022-2025): 12 goals in 96 games, no major trophies.
- Real Betis (loan, 2025): Nine goals in 26 games, Conference League finalist.
At Betis, Antony thrived in a supportive environment. He credited the club’s fans and coaching staff for reigniting his passion, with his versatility as a winger or central attacker proving vital in La Liga.
Fan and club reactions
Betis fans flooded social media with excitement, praising Antony’s return as a major coup. His flair, decisive goals, and work rate won them over during his loan. The club reserved his number 7 shirt, signaling their belief in his long-term role.
Led by executive Ramon Alarcon, Betis sees Antony as key to their Europa League and La Liga ambitions. Manager Manuel Pellegrini, known for revitalizing players, plans to build around Antony’s dynamism in a 4-2-3-1 system.
- Fan support: Social media posts hailed Antony as “the king’s return.”
- Club’s plan: Strengthen squad for Europa League and a Champions League push.
- Pellegrini’s vision: Use Antony’s versatility as a right-winger or central creator.
- Expectation: Likely debut against Athletic Bilbao in the next La Liga round.
Manchester United’s overhaul
Antony’s exit is part of Manchester United’s squad rebuild under Rúben Amorim. The Portuguese manager sidelined players misaligned with his high-intensity style, also offloading Garnacho to Chelsea for €40 million and Sancho to Aston Villa. While the sale of Antony represents a financial loss from his €95 million purchase, it frees up wages and squad space for new signings.
United’s 50% sell-on clause ensures future benefits if Antony’s value rises. The moves reflect Amorim’s focus on a cohesive squad blending youth and experience.
Antony’s future at Betis
With a long-term deal, Antony has a platform to rebuild his career. Betis, sixth in La Liga last season, aims for a Champions League spot, with Antony central to their attack. His dribbling, creativity, and finishing fit Pellegrini’s possession-based style.
Antony could debut against Athletic Bilbao, pending paperwork. Fans hope he’ll replicate his 2025 form, when he was nominated for La Liga’s Player of the Month. His broader goal is a return to Brazil’s national team for the 2026 World Cup.
- Upcoming matches: Faces Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla, and Barcelona soon.
- Personal goals: Aims for a Brazil call-up for the 2026 World Cup.
- Tactical role: Right-winger with freedom to cut inside.
- Team support: Isco and Fekir expected to boost his output.
Transfer window dynamics
The 2025 transfer window saw intense activity for both clubs. Betis prioritized Antony to bolster their attack, while United focused on wage relief and squad renewal. Antony’s salary cut and bonus structure were pivotal in sealing the deal. Betis now seeks reinforcements in defense and midfield before Spain’s transfer deadline at 10:59 PM on September 1.