Manchester United have received a shock boost this summer as one player makes an unexpected decision which could facilitate a transfer.
Manchester United decided to send Antony out on loan during the January transfer window last season, after his role under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford had significantly diminished since signing under Erik ten Hag.
The Brazilian winger made the switch to Spanish side Real Betis, where he has impressively rediscovered his form. In 26 appearances, the 25-year-old tallied nine goals and five assists.
Antony also made a notable impact in the Europa Conference League, registering four goals and three assists on the way to the final—though Betis ultimately fell short against Chelsea.
His resurgence in Spain has been a welcome development for United, who are now exploring the possibility of a permanent transfer in the upcoming summer window. Meanwhile, Betis are keen to retain him in some capacity.
Antony makes unexpected decision
One of the major issues United are facing this summer is that clubs don’t want to pay the large wages for the unwanted players at the club.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the Brazilian winger Antony is prepared to take a 30 per cent pay-cut to help facilitate a move away from Old Trafford this summer.
It was explained that Antony currently earns around £150,000-per-week at United following the club’s failure to qualify for European competition.
That would mean that the 25-year-old would take a wage of around £105,000-per-week at a new club.
This number would certainly fit into the wage structure of his desired club, Betis. They pay Isco around £120,000-per-week and Antony would come in as the second-highest earner at that amount.
No excuses for Betis now
Some United fans were surprised to read that Antony was the player willing to take a large pay-cut to help a move occur this summer.
It is in the best interests of all involved if he can leave permanently and it seems obvious that he’s enjoyed his time in Spain.
However, there isn’t really many excuses for Betis to not provide an offer which isn’t on an initial loan, and if they can’t do that then United should be looking for suitors elsewhere.
At that wage, with a transfer fee of around £35 million, there should be clubs looking at Antony this summer but the Reds need the deal to happen as soon as possible.
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