In one of the summer’s most surprising transfer revelations, Brazilian winger Antony has disclosed that he turned down a lucrative offer from Bayern Munich that would have doubled his current salary to honor his commitment to Real Betis. The 25-year-old’s decision to reject the German giants in favor of returning to Seville demonstrates remarkable loyalty and speaks to the strong relationship he developed during his successful loan spell at the Benito Villamarín Stadium.
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The Offer That Stunned Football: Bayern’s Massive Proposal
According to multiple sources, Bayern Munich made a late approach for Antony with an offer that would have doubled his current wages, making it one of the most lucrative proposals of the transfer window. The German champions were reportedly desperate to add attacking reinforcements and saw the Brazilian as an ideal target.
| Transfer Comparison | Bayern Munich Offer | Real Betis Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Salary Structure | Double current wages | Competitive package |
| Competition Level | Champions League | La Liga/Europa League |
| Playing Time | Uncertain due to squad depth | Guaranteed regular starts |
| Previous Relationship | None | Successful loan spell |
| Transfer Status | Rejected by player | Completed permanently |
Antony revealed his reasoning: “More than five clubs called me, but as I’ve always said my first option was Betis.” This statement underscores his unwavering commitment to the Andalusian club despite significantly more lucrative alternatives.
The Real Betis Connection: Why Loyalty Trumped Money
The Brazilian’s decision stems from his remarkable loan spell at Real Betis during the second half of the 2024/25 season. Antony made 26 appearances for Betis, scoring nine goals and providing five assists, rediscovering the form that made him one of European football’s most sought-after wingers.
Antony’s Betis Performance Statistics (2024/25 Loan)
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Liga | 20 | 7 | 4 | 1,456 |
| Copa del Rey | 4 | 2 | 1 | 287 |
| Europa League | 2 | 0 | 0 | 145 |
| Total | 26 | 9 | 5 | 1,888 |
This impressive return represented a remarkable turnaround from his struggles at Manchester United, where he had scored just 11 goals in 82 appearances across two and a half seasons.
Transfer Details: The €22 Million Permanent Deal
Sources told ESPN that Betis will pay a fixed fee of €22m with €3m in potential bonuses for Antony’s permanent transfer, with United standing to gain 50% of any further move. This represents a significant financial loss for Manchester United, who initially paid €86 million for the Brazilian in 2022.
Financial Breakdown of the Transfer
| Component | Amount (€) | Amount (£) | Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Fee | €22 million | £18.5 million | Real Betis to Man United |
| Add-ons | €3 million | £2.5 million | Performance-related |
| Sell-on Clause | 50% of profit | 50% of profit | Manchester United |
| Total Package | €25 million | £21 million | Maximum value |
Bayern Munich’s Transfer Strategy: Missing Out on Plan B
Bayern Munich’s approach for Antony came as part of their extensive search for attacking reinforcements during the summer transfer window. The Bavarian giants had identified several targets but found themselves rebuffed by the Brazilian’s loyalty to Real Betis.
Bayern Munich, who focused heavily on attacking reinforcements during the summer transfer window, are said to have contacted Antony before he moved from Manchester United to Real Betis. The Bavarian club are said to have offered the Brazilian winger double his current salary.
The Manchester United Perspective: Cutting Losses
For Manchester United, Antony’s departure represents the end of a disappointing chapter. The Brazilian’s £86 million transfer fee makes him the second most expensive signing in United’s history behind Paul Pogba, making his struggles at Old Trafford particularly painful for the club’s hierarchy.
Antony’s Manchester United Statistics Summary
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Performance Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 44 | 8 | 3 | Promising start |
| 2023/24 | 29 | 1 | 1 | Significant decline |
| 2024/25 | 9 | 2 | 1 | Limited opportunities |
| Total | 82 | 11 | 5 | Below expectations |
Antony’s Emotional Journey: From Despair to Hope
The Brazilian has been remarkably open about his difficult time at Manchester United, even breaking down in tears during recent interviews. Antony departed for Real Betis in a £21.7 million deal that also includes 50% of any future resale, representing a fresh start for the talented winger.
The Wider Transfer Context: Multiple Suitors
Antony confirmed that “more than five clubs called me” during the summer transfer window, highlighting his continued appeal despite his struggles at Manchester United. The fact that he chose Real Betis over all alternatives, including Bayern Munich’s lucrative offer, speaks volumes about his priorities and values.
Real Betis’s Ambitious Project
Real Betis’s ability to secure Antony permanently, despite competition from Bayern Munich and other European giants, demonstrates the club’s growing status and ambitious project under Manuel Pellegrini’s guidance.
Career Renaissance: The Spanish Solution
Antony’s decision represents a calculated career move, choosing regular playing time and a supportive environment over maximum financial gain. His successful loan spell at Betis proved he can still perform at the highest level when given the right platform.
The Loyalty Factor: Keeping His Word
Perhaps most impressively, Antony revealed that his decision was influenced by having already given his word to Real Betis. In an era where football transfers often lack sentiment, the Brazilian’s commitment to honoring his promise stands out as remarkably principled.
This approach has earned him widespread respect from both Betis fans and neutral observers, who admire his integrity in rejecting significantly more lucrative offers to return to a club where he felt valued and appreciated.
Read More: Antony Opens Heart About Manchester United Struggles: “Only I Know How Difficult It Was”
FAQs
Why did Antony reject Bayern Munich’s offer to join Real Betis instead?
Antony rejected Bayern Munich because he had already given his word to Real Betis and wanted to return to a club where he had experienced success during his loan spell, prioritizing loyalty over financial gain.
How much more money would Bayern Munich have offered Antony compared to Real Betis?
Bayern Munich reportedly offered to double Antony’s current salary, which would have been significantly more lucrative than his deal with Real Betis, though exact figures haven’t been disclosed.
What was the transfer fee for Antony’s move from Manchester United to Real Betis?
Real Betis paid €22 million as a base fee with €3 million in potential add-ons, totaling €25 million, with Manchester United retaining 50% of any future sale.
How successful was Antony during his loan spell at Real Betis?
Antony was highly successful during his loan at Betis, scoring 9 goals and providing 5 assists in 26 appearances, rediscovering the form that made him a coveted player.
How many clubs were interested in signing Antony this summer?
Antony revealed that “more than five clubs” contacted him during the summer transfer window, but he remained committed to returning to Real Betis despite multiple attractive alternatives.
