Real Betis have publicly cooled their pursuit of Manchester United winger Antony, admitting the Brazilian is now just one of several targets — and that a deal may not happen unless United budge on price.
The Antony Real Betis transfer had been building momentum earlier this summer after the 24-year-old impressed during his loan spell in La Liga last season. But Betis want another loan, while United are pushing for a permanent sale to end the player’s underwhelming stint at Old Trafford.
Now, in a clear negotiating stance, club president Ángel Haro and sporting director Manu Fajardo have stated they are “calm” and “prepared” to walk away if United’s demands remain too high, according to Diario de Sevilla.
What Real Betis Said About Antony
Speaking at a club event this week, Haro made it clear that finances are a sticking point:
“From an economic standpoint, it has to fit within our parameters. A loan is more feasible, given what Manchester wants to ask for,” said Betis president Ángel Haro. — Diario de Sevilla
Fajardo added:
“We’re assuming and making efforts [to sign Antony], but we have alternatives if he doesn’t arrive. We’re calm.”
United Want a Clean Break
Manchester United are reportedly unwilling to sanction another loan deal for Antony. Having spent £86m to sign him from Ajax in 2022, the club are now open to selling him — but want to avoid covering wages or loan compensation.
Ruben Amorim is happy for Antony to leave if the right offer arrives. But with interest cooling and Betis now signalling they may walk away, United may need to reassess their stance late in the window.
Antony at Betis – 2024/25 Loan Stats
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Liga | 26 | 5 | 4 |
| All Competitions | 32 | 7 | 6 |
Analyst Verdict
This feels like classic transfer brinkmanship from Real Betis.
Antony clearly wants the move. Betis want the player. United want to sell. But the financial middle ground is missing.
By publicly stating they have “alternatives”, Betis are likely applying pressure — hoping United panic and soften their stance closer to deadline day. But if they genuinely walk away, United could be stuck with a high-earning fringe player and no suitors.
For Antony, this uncertainty is another chapter in a career that hasn’t hit the heights many expected since leaving Ajax.
Key Insights
- Betis say Antony deal is no longer guaranteed — “alternatives” being explored
- United want a permanent sale, Betis prefer another loan
- Antony impressed on loan last season: 7 goals, 6 assists
- Financial demands from United seen as too high for La Liga club
- Club chiefs Haro and Fajardo publicly playing down pressure to sign him
What’s Next?
Expect this to drag on. Betis will likely wait until the final weeks of the window before making their next move — hoping United either sanction another loan or slash their asking price.
United, meanwhile, are facing a decision: hold out, or cut their losses on one of the most expensive transfers in club history.
Should United sell Antony now for whatever they can — or hold out for a proper fee?
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