The spotlight remains firmly on Manchester United winger Antony, as the club edges closer to finalizing a subsidized loan deal with Real Betis.
The Brazilian star, brought in with high expectations, has struggled to find his footing, leaving fans and analysts questioning his future at Old Trafford.
Struggles and Limited Opportunities
Antony’s season has been far from stellar, with minimal game time in the Premier League.
Used sparingly by manager Ruben Amorim, the winger has yet to start a league game, primarily featuring off the bench.
His performances have been underwhelming, with only one goal to his name this season—a penalty in the EFL Cup against Barnsley.
Across all competitions, Antony has logged just 129 minutes in the league this campaign, a stark contrast to the £86 million investment United made to bring him from Ajax in 2022.
Loan Deal to Real Betis Takes Shape
United and Real Betis are reportedly in advanced discussions over a loan move for Antony, with financial terms being ironed out.
The proposed deal, expected to run until June 2025, includes no option to buy.
Manchester United has agreed to cover a significant portion of Antony’s wages, which stand at a staggering £200,000 per week.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed these details, signaling that the agreement is close to completion.
Past Interest and Antony’s Willingness to Move
Earlier in the season, Olympiacos expressed interest in signing Antony on loan, but the player was not keen on joining the Greek side.
However, his agent, Junior Pedroso, has hinted at Antony’s openness to a temporary move.
In a December interview, Pedroso stated, “Antony’s future is tied to Manchester United’s interests.
If the club sees value in a loan to help him gain minutes and confidence, we’ll work together to make it happen.”
A Costly Gamble for Manchester United
Antony’s time at United has been costly in more ways than one.
Over 95 appearances, he has managed only 12 goals, equating to over £7 million per goal based on his transfer fee.
Additionally, he has earned upwards of £25 million in wages since joining, making his time on the pitch an expensive affair for the club.
What Lies Ahead?
The potential move to Real Betis offers Antony a chance to reset and rediscover the form that once made him a sought-after talent.
While the absence of a buy option suggests United is not ready to sever ties entirely, the loan deal could serve as a litmus test for the winger’s ability to bounce back.
Fans will be watching closely to see if Antony can turn his fortunes around, either in La Liga or upon his return to Manchester.
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