Antony has reportedly made a decision on his next club as the Manchester United winger’s loan at Real Betis nears its end.
The pressure at Manchester United is like no other club in world football; players often impress before they join the club and struggle when they join the Red Devils, but reach their former levels as soon as they move away from Manchester.
This also extends to academy talents, the best example being Scott McTominay, who has become one of the standout players in Serie A after his move to Napoli.
Marcus Rashford also moved away this season, leaving for Aston Villa on loan in the January transfer window, showing his quality from the outset at Villa Park.
However, it appears Rashford wants to move away from Villa, potentially eyeing a move to Barcelona in the summer if the Spanish club can raise enough funds.
Like the Carrington graduate, Antony has also moved on loan for the second half of the season, scoring for fun in the Conference League and La Liga at Real Betis.
Antony wants to stay in Betis
The Brazilian forward has scored seven and assisted four in his 20 appearances for Real Betis since January, most notably a right-footed volley from the edge of the box against former teammate David de Gea.
Antony not only appears to be happy on the pitch in Spain, but he also appears to enjoy life off it, with ABC Sevilla reporting that he wants to stay at Betis next season.
The former Ajax winger believes that another season in Spain could help his chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup team for Brazil. However, Betis do not have a purchase option for Antony and will have to negotiate a deal to either sign him permanently or potentially on another loan move.
The La Liga outfit reportedly held meetings with United representatives last week and there are rumours that they are also discussing other potential transfers, with Betis’ Johnny Cardoso linked with an OId Trafford move.
Trivela have reported that two other clubs are also interested in the United winger, but that the Red Devils will demand over £30 million for his services.
United unlikely to accept another loan
The upcoming transfer window is crucial for Ruben Amorim’s side, not only for signing potential first-teamers, but for selling players who don’t fit the 3-4-3 system.
Many of Erik ten Hag’s transfers, like Antony, don’t fit Amorim’s formation, so they must be sold quickly before pre-season begins.
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While another loan move would solve the Antony issue, moving him on a permanent basis will bring in money that can be spent on one of the many positions that United need to strengthen in the summer.
If United end up receiving their demand of £30 million, that fee could then be spent on Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, who could provide serious competition for Rasmus Hojlund.
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