One Real Betis chief has released a surprising statement on the successful Manchester United loanee Antony.
In what has rightfully been touted as one of, if not the worst transfers in the history of football, Antony’s move to Manchester United from Ajax in the summer of 2022 has been nothing short of a disaster.
Signed for £86 million, the Brazilian showed some glimpses of talent in the first few months of his first season at United, but after 96 appearances and only 12 goals, the Reds would’ve been glad to see Real Betis take their out of form winger on loan in the January transfer window.
However, no one could have expected the sheer turn around in form that the 25-year-old has had since making the switch to Spain, contributing 13 goals and assists in 21 La Liga and Conference League appearances.
United will now look to try and find a permenant sale for the player this summer although Betis’ ability to sign him seems unlikely.
Betis chief releases surprise Antony statement
Real Betis’ CEO, Ramón Alarcón, has seemingly cut off the possibility of signing the Brazilian permanently, admitting that they would look for alternative players if United don’t extend the loan deal for another year.
As reported by SI, he said: “We’ll see when he arrives in the summer if there’s an option to bring him in for another year.
“If not, we’ll have to look for another, because the important thing is really to be a team player. If it’s not Antony, it will be someone else, but we have to keep competing.”
This feels awfully similar to Jadon Sancho’s successful loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, where the German club hyped up the player constantly before being unable to find the cash for a permanent deal.
Does Antony deserve a second chance at United?
With the start to life in Spain that Antony has had, all signs are still pointing towards an exit for the Brazilian, with Antony favouring Spanish football the most.
As reported by Football Insider, United would now accept bids between £20-30 million to off-load the Brazilian winger, as they are now well aware they have no chance of recouping the full £86 million fee they paid to Ajax.
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With Ruben Amorim suggesting that Antony didn’t succeed at United due to his physicality, perhaps the relationship they have is a bit tenuous, and is already thought to be out of Amorim’s plans for the future.
If United could recoup even £30 million of the fee they spent for Antony, it could greatly help them sign some players in the summer transfer window although it seems unlikely that Betis will be the club to cough up the cash.
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