Real Betis have dramatically withdrawn their offer for Manchester United winger Antony, officially ending negotiations for the Brazilian’s proposed return to Spain. The La Liga club issued a definitive statement confirming they cannot afford the financial demands of the transfer, leaving the 25-year-old’s future uncertain with just days remaining in the transfer window.
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Official Statement Confirms Deal Collapse
The Spanish club’s official statement delivered a clear message about their inability to proceed with the transfer, despite previous reports suggesting an agreement had been reached between the clubs. Betis left no ambiguity about their position regarding the collapsed negotiations.
“There is no agreement for Antony and we have withdrawn the offer. We can’t afford the fee and the amounts that Manchester United must instead pay the player before the transfer,” the club stated through their official channels.
This statement directly contradicted earlier reports from various sources claiming that Manchester United had accepted a bid and that Antony was preparing to travel to Seville for his medical examination.
Financial Breakdown of Failed Deal
| Component | Proposed Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Fee | £21.6m (€25m) | Base fee agreed |
| Add-ons | £2.5m (€3m) | Performance bonuses |
| Sell-on Clause | 50% | Retained by United |
| Wage Deficit | €4m annually | Unresolved issue |
| Severance Package | Undisclosed | Player demand |
The breakdown reveals the complexity of modern football transfers, where the headline transfer fee represents only part of the total financial commitment required to complete a deal.
Wage Structure Creates Insurmountable Obstacle
The primary stumbling block in negotiations centered around Antony’s substantial wage demands and the financial shortfall between his Manchester United contract and what Real Betis could afford to pay. The Brazilian currently earns £6 million (€6.93 million) per year at Old Trafford, with two years remaining on his contract.
Real Betis, whose record transfer fee remains the €30 million paid for Denilson in 1998-99, were unable to bridge the significant gap between their wage structure and Antony’s expectations. The club’s financial limitations, combined with La Liga’s strict salary caps, made it impossible to accommodate the player’s current earnings level.
Financial Constraints Faced by Betis:
- Historical spending: Limited transfer budget compared to Premier League clubs
- Wage structure: Significantly lower than Manchester United’s salary levels
- La Liga regulations: Strict financial fair play rules limiting expenditure
- Revenue gap: Substantial difference in broadcasting and commercial income
Industry sources suggest that Antony was seeking either a severance package from Manchester United to compensate for the wage reduction or additional payments from Betis to maintain his current earning level.
Manchester United’s Dilemma
The collapsed transfer leaves Manchester United in a precarious position, with Antony among several players the club desperately needs to move before the transfer window closes. The Brazilian was part of the group of five players exiled by head coach Ruben Amorim during pre-season, training separately from the main squad at Carrington.
Manchester United’s determination to complete permanent sales rather than loan deals has complicated their efforts to move unwanted players. The club had made it clear to Betis that another temporary arrangement was not acceptable, following Antony’s loan spell in the second half of last season.
United’s Player Exodus Challenges
| Player | Status | Value | Interest Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alejandro Garnacho | Sold to Chelsea | £40m | Deal completed |
| Marcus Rashford | Loan to Barcelona | Temporary move | Completed |
| Antony | Available | £25m sought | Collapsed deal |
| Jadon Sancho | Available | £30m+ | Limited interest |
| Tyrell Malacia | Available | £10m+ | Minimal interest |
The table illustrates United’s mixed success in their summer clearout, with high-profile departures balanced by ongoing struggles to move other squad members.
Antony’s Successful Betis Loan Spell
The transfer saga becomes more poignant considering Antony’s impressive performances during his loan spell at Real Betis in the second half of last season. The Brazilian appeared to rediscover his form in La Liga, contributing to the club’s run to the Europa Conference League final.
Loan Spell Statistics:
- Appearances: 17 La Liga matches
- Goal Contributions: 7 direct goal involvements
- Performance Level: Significant improvement from United form
- Fan Reception: Positive response from Betis supporters
- Tactical Fit: Effective integration into team system
His performances in Spain had convinced both the player and Real Betis that a permanent reunion would benefit all parties, making the financial obstacles all the more frustrating for those involved.
Alternative Options and Market Reality
With the Betis deal definitively off the table, Antony faces limited options in the remaining days of the transfer window. While there had been reported interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Brighton, and RB Leipzig, none of these approaches reached the advanced stages seen with Betis.
The timing of the collapsed deal presents significant challenges for finding alternative arrangements. Most European clubs have already completed their major signings, and the compressed timeframe makes it difficult to negotiate complex deals involving wage subsidies or player compensation packages.
Remaining Transfer Options:
- Saudi Pro League: Financial capability but uncertain player interest
- Other La Liga clubs: Limited due to similar wage constraints
- Serie A interest: Potential but no concrete approaches
- Loan arrangements: Possible but United prefer permanent sales
The reality is that Antony’s wage expectations and Manchester United’s valuation create a narrow market of potential destinations.
Broader Implications for Player Trading
The Antony-Betis saga highlights broader challenges facing the modern transfer market, where financial disparities between leagues create significant obstacles to player movement. The case demonstrates how wage structures established during peak spending periods can become barriers to future transfers.
The situation also illustrates the complexities clubs face when attempting to balance immediate financial needs with long-term squad planning. Manchester United’s need to generate sales revenue conflicts with their reluctance to subsidize player departures through wage contributions.
For Real Betis, the withdrawn offer represents a pragmatic acknowledgment of their financial limitations, even when pursuing a player who had proven successful during his loan spell. The club’s honesty about their constraints contrasts with the typical negotiation posturing seen in transfer discussions.
Timeline of Failed Negotiations
The negotiations between Manchester United and Real Betis evolved over several months, with multiple false starts and changing parameters as both clubs sought to bridge their financial differences.
Key Negotiation Milestones:
- July 2025: Initial Betis approach following successful loan
- August 2025: Multiple rounds of negotiations begin
- August 29: Reported agreement between clubs
- August 30: Betis withdraw offer citing financial constraints
- Current status: Deal definitively collapsed
The compressed timeline near the transfer deadline created additional pressure on all parties to reach an agreement, ultimately contributing to the breakdown when fundamental financial differences could not be resolved.
Read More: Nicolas Jackson Completes Bayern Munich Move in Record-Breaking €15M Loan Deal
FAQs
Why did Real Betis withdraw their offer for Antony?
Real Betis cited their inability to afford both the transfer fee and the wage amounts that Manchester United would need to pay the player, making the deal financially impossible for the Spanish club.
What was the proposed transfer fee for Antony?
The agreed package was reportedly worth £21.6 million plus £2.5 million in add-ons, with Manchester United retaining a 50% sell-on clause for any future transfer.
How much does Antony earn at Manchester United?
Antony currently earns £6 million (€6.93 million) per year at Manchester United, with two years remaining on his contract, creating a significant wage gap that Betis couldn’t bridge.
Was there really an agreement between the clubs?
While some reports suggested an agreement was reached, Real Betis’ official statement clarified that no formal agreement existed and that they had withdrawn their offer entirely.
What are Antony’s options now?
With limited time remaining in the transfer window, Antony faces few alternatives. Saudi Pro League clubs have shown interest, but most European options appear to have the same financial constraints as Betis.
