Antony’s journey from Manchester United to Real Betis has taken an unexpected turn, with the Spanish club eager to make a fresh attempt at securing the Brazilian winger’s services. Initially arriving on a six-month loan deal after falling out of favor at Old Trafford, the 23-year-old has rediscovered his form at the Benito Villamarín.

As Betis continues to be impressed with his performances, including nine goal contributions in just 18 appearances, the club is now making a renewed push to retain the player beyond his current spell. However, the road to securing Antony permanently is not without its obstacles, as Manchester United’s financial demands and future plans hang in the balance.

Antony’s Impact at Real Betis

Since making the move to La Liga in January, Antony has been a revelation at Real Betis. His immediate integration into the squad under the guidance of manager Manuel Pellegrini has been seamless. With nine goal contributions (goals and assists) in his 18 games, Antony has shown his capability to influence matches positively, earning the admiration of both fans and teammates.

His performances have drawn attention to the fact that Betis may have unearthed a player who can add value in the long term. The Brazilian winger, having struggled for consistent minutes at Manchester United, is finding his rhythm in Seville, and his confidence is growing. This has led the La Liga club to explore the possibility of keeping him for a more extended period.

First Attempt for Antony: A Rejected Offer

Earlier this week, Real Betis made their first bid to keep Antony on a season-long loan. However, Manchester United swiftly rejected the proposal. United is keen on finding a permanent solution for the winger, with the club hoping to recoup a significant portion of the £85 million ($113 million) they paid to Ajax in 2022. This financial strategy is crucial for United, as they look to fund their own summer spending spree, with players such as Matheus Cunha, Liam Delap, and Ademola Lookman reportedly on their radar.

Despite the rejection, Real Betis is undeterred. The club remains determined to keep Antony, and they are preparing a new offer before the current transfer window closes. According to The Telegraph, Betis will likely make a fresh bid to secure the Brazilian’s future, given that they are not willing to let him move to another club.

Real Betis’ Financial Strategy and Potential Deal Terms

Real Betis currently covers 84% of Antony’s salary, including bonuses, as part of their existing loan arrangement with Manchester United. This partnership has been beneficial for both sides, but Betis is now exploring ways to make the deal permanent. The club is reportedly willing to offer new terms that would see them continue covering the majority of Antony’s wages.

However, while the Spanish side is keen on keeping the winger, the financial hurdles posed by United remain. The Premier League giants are resolute in their stance that they want to sell Antony this summer in order to recoup a substantial fee. The prospect of another loan deal is only on the table if Betis agrees to include a clause that would oblige them to make the transfer permanent in the next window. As of now, no indications suggest that Real Betis is prepared to commit to that financial responsibility, especially if the club fails to secure Champions League qualification this season.

The Champions League Conundrum

For Betis, a permanent move for Antony is closely tied to their performance in La Liga. Currently sitting in fifth place, the club is in contention for a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League, which would provide a financial windfall to facilitate further signings. If Betis were to qualify for the prestigious tournament, it could strengthen their case to make Antony’s deal permanent.

Without the guarantee of European football, the club may be forced to reconsider their approach. The stakes for Real Betis are high, and much will depend on the club’s ability to secure a top-four finish in the league. If they achieve this, a permanent deal for Antony could become a more viable option, both financially and strategically.

Antony’s Popularity and Betis’ Determination

The uncertainty surrounding Antony’s future has not gone unnoticed by his teammates at Betis. In fact, two of his colleagues have even suggested the idea of launching a crowdfunding campaign to help raise the funds necessary to sign him permanently. Antony’s popularity at the club is evident, with the player himself vocal about his enjoyment of life in Seville.

Speaking about his time at Betis, Antony has repeatedly expressed his happiness and comfort at the club, highlighting how well he has been treated by the fans and management. This positive sentiment has only fueled Betis’ desire to keep him. However, as much as the club is determined to make the move permanent, they must first navigate the significant financial barriers that stand in their way.

Read More: Real Madrid Referee Row: Real to Play in Copa del Rey Final After Dismissing ‘Unacceptable’ Comments from Officials

FAQs