Man United transfer news: Real Betis 'suffer blow' in desire to sign Antony on a permanent basis

Antony has been an outstanding performer for the Seville outfit since his arrival on loan in January, scoring three times and registering two assists in seven appearances, and he helped Manuel Pellegrini's side beat Real Madrid in La Liga on Saturday.

The 25-year-old has said that he is "very happy" at Real Betis, with a permanent move to the Green and Whites possibly taking place this summer, and the La Liga side recently talked-up the potential a long-term deal.

"The other day the CEO of United called me. We sent them all the moves and details of the player throughout the week so that they can see that we are looking after their asset," Real Betis CEO Ramon Alarcon told Cadena SER.

"There is very good chemistry with Manchester [United] and with the player. It is a possibility that he will continue next season, why not?"

However, according to Fichajes, Real Betis could ultimately be priced out of a move due to Man United's valuation and the fact that the Brazilian is on substantial wages at Old Trafford.

Real Betis 'could be priced out' of Antony switch

The report claims that Man United would want in the region of £41m for Antony if he continues to impress, while Real Betis would not be able to afford the £140,000-a-week salary that the player is on at Old Trafford.

"Yes, I am very happy, it was the best decision. Here I am enjoying the city, the club, everything every day. I am also very grateful for the affection I receive. The affection of the fans and of all the people at the club," Antony told recently Relevo.

"The most important thing in football is that you can have a lot of talent, but if you are not happy it is difficult for things to go well. For me being happy is the most important thing, that is why things happen naturally. It does not matter if you have a lot of talent, because if you are not happy it is very difficult."

Antony made the move to Man United from Ajax in the summer of 2022, and he has represented the Red Devils on 96 occasions, scoring 12 goals and registering five assists in the process.

Should the forward's strong form continue, then Antony will not be short of interest, with a number of clubs believed to be keeping a close eye on his performances ahead of the summer transfer window.

Antony's agent insists his client could return to Man United

Antony's agent recently insisted that the Brazilian's career at Old Trafford is not necessarily over, with a return to Man United for the 2025-26 campaign believed to be a genuine possibility.

"I can tell you that clubs from England also wanted Antony, he had the chance to stay in the Premier League, but we preferred Real Betis. I can also reveal that Saudi Pro League clubs approached us over potential moves. It was another option but Spain was the best possible for the player," Junior Pedroso told transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

"I believe that football is very dynamic. There are no long-term plans to be made. There may still be a few more chapters in his story with Manchester United, or there may not be. This will depend on many factors involving decisions by the club and him in the near future."

Antony is bidding to help Real Betis secure European football for next season, while the Green and Whites are active in the Conference League and considered as one of the favourites to win the European trophy.

Written by

Matt Law