Antony’s time at Manchester United hasn’t gone as smoothly as many expected.
After a tough spell where he found himself out of favour at Old Trafford, the Brazilian winger made a move to Real Betis on loan during the January transfer window.
That switch to Spain has given Antony a fresh start and a chance to showcase his talent again.
Making an Impact in Spain
Since joining Betis, Antony has really turned heads.
He played a key role in their impressive run to the Conference League final, scoring five goals in 17 appearances across all competitions.
One memorable moment was his stunning free-kick in the semi-final clash against Fiorentina, which stood out as a highlight of his time in Seville.
Although Betis ultimately lost to Chelsea in the final, Antony’s contribution helped them finish the season strong.
What’s Next? Betis Eye Another Loan or Partial Deal
With Antony’s promising performances, Real Betis are keen to keep him longer.
According to reports from Spanish media outlet Marca, Betis plan to approach Manchester United next week with an offer to take Antony on loan again for the upcoming season.
However, Manchester United’s perspective is a bit different.
They are looking to recoup a significant portion of the £82 million they spent on Antony when they signed him from Ajax in 2022.
One option being explored is for Betis to buy a percentage of Antony’s playing rights.
This kind of deal would allow United to retain some control — meaning they could still benefit financially if Antony’s value rises and he’s sold in the future.
The Fine Print: Wage Negotiations and Future Prospects
Of course, any agreement of this kind would likely come with conditions.
Betis might ask Antony to reduce his wage demands to make the deal feasible.
For both clubs, the arrangement could be a win-win: Betis get to keep a player who’s proving valuable on the pitch, and United maintain an option to profit later.
Meanwhile, Betis are already set for European football again next season, finishing sixth in La Liga.
Having Antony on board could be a big part of their ambitions moving forward.
Where Does Antony Go From Here?
With talks about his future underway, Antony’s next chapter is still being written.
Will he continue to thrive in Spain with Betis, or will United find a way to cash in on their investment?
Fans will be watching closely as negotiations unfold in the coming weeks.