Manchester United want to continue their summer clear-out as Ruben Amorim looks to shape his squad ahead of his first full season in charge.
Manchester United’s summer transfer activity is far from over, as Ruben Amorim continues to mould his squad ahead of his first full season in charge.
The club remains focused on securing several key additions, including an experienced centre-forward, a goalkeeper to compete with, or potentially replace André Onana, and a defensive midfielder.
After spending £127.5 million to bring in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo as part of an attacking overhaul, United must now shift focus to player sales to help finance further reinforcements.
One player expected to depart is Antony. After a productive loan spell in the latter half of last season, the Brazilian winger is now poised for a permanent exit from Old Trafford.
Real Betis want another loan deal
Previous reports came in that an unnamed Saudi Arabian club had submitted a move for the want-away Brazilian, but the offer was turned down, as the 25-year-old only wants a move back to Real Betis.
Given Antony’s desire to only return to the Spanish side, the club have the clear upper hand in negotiations, with ABC Sevilla reporting that Betis are only offering a loan without an obligation to buy.
The outlet reports: “Betis has been quiet for several weeks. There has been dialogue with Antony’s agents, and also directly with the winger, to encourage him and assure him that Heliópolis will support him, but on the dates considered most advantageous for his return.
“His determination is clear, and he made this clear to United’s management since early June. He only wants to return to Betis. The fact that the Verdiblancos are currently only considering a loan means that the player would have to renew with United for another year, given that his contract expires in 2027.”
Blatant disrespect to both Antony and United
Manchester United’s weak bargaining power in this deal is a culmination of years of mismanaged transfers, as Real Betis simply can’t afford his large wages if they were to buy the Brazilian permanently.
Despite it being understandable that Betis would drive a hard bargain to secure the signing of the player who was “brilliant” for them in the second half of the season, their arrogance surrounding this deal is astonishing.
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Putting aside the club-to-club disagreements, Antony himself will be feeling hard done by the failure to secure a move away from Old Trafford, as he has missed out on an entire preseason, which is a big negative.
As things currently stand, Betis believe they can intimidate the Red Devils into getting what they want and when they want it.
If United want to maintain any sort of reputation, they should simply end negotiations with Betis now and refuse to negotiate with them in the future, sending a cautionary message to other clubs.
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