Real Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo has admitted that his La Liga side recently met with Manchester United about the 2025 summer transfer window.
Real Betis are looking to sign Antony from Manchester United this summer following the Brazilian winger’s stunning performances in Spain.
Signed for £85 million in 2022 following a strong push from Erik ten Hag, Antony made a bright start with three goals in his first three games, but struggled to maintain consistency in the seasons that followed.
With new manager Rúben Amorim deeming him surplus to requirements, the Brazilian winger was sent on loan to Betis for the second half of the 2024/25 campaign.
In Spain, Antony has rediscovered his form, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in 20 appearances — including a memorable volley in the Conference League semi-final first leg against Fiorentina, backed up by an incredible last-minute winner against Espanyol.
There have since been multiple reports that indicate Betis want to see Antony rejoin the club on loan for a further season this summer, although United would rather a permanent sale of around £35-40 million.
Betis director admits to fresh United talks
Speaking recently on radio station COPE Sevilla, Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo admitted to meeting with United last week. United’s head of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, was in attendance for Betis’ tie against Fiorentina.
The 40-year-old revealed that the talk was not so much about Antony, but instead about other players United may look to sign from Betis this summer.
“We are fortunate to host big clubs in our stadium every week,” Fajardo explained. “In the last game, one of them was Manchester United; we have an excellent and magnificent relationship.
“Honestly, the least discussed thing was Antony. There was talk of synergy, of possible deals they want to make, of possible departures they want to make.
“And, obviously, when Betis treats the assets of other big clubs like Manchester United or Barcelona so well, we are very fortunate to be positioned for the upcoming transfer markets and have more priority information than other clubs.”
Betis could sell Cardoso to United this summer
This revelation from the Spaniard comes amid reports that United are keen on Betis’ Johnny Cardoso this summer, with Fajardo’s words showing that the La Liga outfit are clearly open to transfer talks with the club outside of the potential Antony deal.
Described as an “incredible” defensive midfielder, reports from April have revealed that United have been scouting the 23-year-old on multiple occasions amid his rise to prominence in La Liga.
The USA international has made 41 appearances across all competitions this season, including 25 in La Liga and 11 in the Conference League, and could be available for £21 million this summer.
Various reports have indicated that Premier League side Tottenham negotiated the chance to sign Cardoso this summer within a two-week window, effectively securing first bidding rights for the player during the early summer.
This unique agreement was struck last August when Betis secured Giovani Lo Celso from Spurs, but with the American midfielder stating last month that “I’m very happy here and I hope I can continue enjoying myself at Betis for many years to come,” Spurs may have a problem in securing him.
However, with the draw of playing for United a step up from Tottenham’s interest, Cardoso may yet change his mind if Amorim comes calling.
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