Manchester United may face a negotiation battle this summer to offload one of Rúben Amorim’s outcast players ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Manchester United have kicked off their summer rebuild by signing Matheus Cunha and progressing talks for Bryan Mbeumo, but those deals have already stretched their initial budget.
With a striker and a midfielder still on the agenda, the club must now rely on player sales to fund any further business.
United are actively trying to move on Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony, and are open to selling Rasmus Højlund if the right offer comes in.
The shake-up is part of a broader plan to reshape Rúben Amorim’s squad ahead of the new season at Old Trafford.
Betis director isn’t surprised Antony wants to return
Antony’s loan at Real Betis across the second half of last season took everyone by surprise, with the Brazilian winger securing nine goals and five assists across his 26 appearances for the La Liga outfit.
The player has reportedly made it clear to United that he wants to re-sign for the Spanish side permanently this summer. However, United are being firm in their £35 million valuation of the player to ensure that his sale is not recorded as a PSR loss.
Speaking to Spanish reporters via Estadio Deportivo, Real Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo has said he is not surprised that Antony is asking United to make sure his next move is a transfer back to Betis.
“It doesn’t surprise me. And I’d like to take this opportunity once again to highlight the work that Real Betis does as a whole, across all departments. When a player arrives here and has such an immediate impact, that’s no coincidence,” Fajardo explained.
“It’s the result of the work, sacrifice, and seriousness of everyone involved on a day-to-day basis. Not only so that Antony can perform and give his best, but so that all the players who join Betis can reach their prime.
“I think what we’re achieving is a very beautiful thing. More and more great players are knocking on Real Betis’ door. More and more big clubs are willing to work hand in hand with Real Betis. And more and more players who once left here are more excited than ever to wear the Real Betis shirt again.”
Signing Antony is a complex negotiation
With United wanting a fairly hefty fee for the player amid the club’s financial issues, Fajardo went on to warn Amorim’s club that they would not be bending over to sign the player, as they would only operate in a way that was sustainable for Betis.
“We all have to be aware that this is a very complex operation. Given the player’s level and his recent career at Real Betis, it’s not an easy transaction,” he explained.
But, as long as Antony hasn’t committed to a third party, we, with the utmost humility, will play our cards to be able to opt for Antony.
“I insist, despite this being a complex operation, we will try to carry it out in different ways without compromising the club.
“In the end, the most important thing is also the sustainability of the club. We will try to be creative, as we have been in the past, so that Antony can be here. Today, the market is open, as I said before, it’s very dynamic, and we are part of that game.”
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