The summer transfer saga involving Manchester United winger Antony and Real Betis has taken a confusing turn, with conflicting reports about whether a deal has been agreed or withdrawn. The uncertainty has left fans and pundits wondering what the future holds for the 25-year-old Brazil international.
A Summer of Negotiations and Mixed Signals
Manchester United and Real Betis have been negotiating Antony’s permanent transfer for most of the summer, but a final agreement on the transfer fee has remained elusive. Antony, who impressed during a loan spell at Betis last season—scoring nine goals and helping the club reach the UEFA Conference League final—has been keen on a return to Spain.
Despite ongoing talks, Betis recently announced they have withdrawn their offer, citing financial constraints. The club stated:
“Betis cannot afford a transfer fee, nor the amounts the player is supposed to receive.”
This statement contradicted reports from multiple United sources claiming a bid had been accepted and that Antony was preparing to travel to Spain for a medical.
Financial and Contractual Hurdles
One of the sticking points appears to be a payment related to Antony’s outstanding wages under his current United contract, which runs until 2027. Betis reportedly cannot meet these financial demands, complicating the transfer.
With the English transfer window closing soon and the Spanish window remaining open a few hours longer, there is still a possibility for further negotiations. However, it remains unclear if Betis will submit a fresh bid or if other clubs might enter the race.
Antony’s Difficult Time at Manchester United
Antony’s time at Manchester United has been challenging. Signed from Ajax for a club-record £81.3 million in August 2022, he was once seen as a marquee signing. However, after a promising start, his form declined sharply. His last Premier League start was in May 2024 during a 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, and his last league goal came against Burnley shortly before.
He was one of five players—alongside Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Tyrell Malacia—excluded from the main squad by manager Ruben Amorim and forced to train separately. Rashford has since moved to Barcelona on loan, and Garnacho is set to join Chelsea.
A Fresh Start at Betis?
During his loan spell at Betis, Antony rediscovered his form and happiness, scoring five goals and providing two assists in 17 La Liga appearances. In an interview with TNT Sports Brazil, he described his time in England as “very hard days” that affected his family life, but said he found joy again at Betis.
A permanent move would offer Antony a chance to revive his career and bring closure to what has been one of Manchester United’s most disappointing transfers.
What’s Next for Antony and Manchester United?
As the transfer deadline approaches, all eyes will be on whether Betis can resolve the financial issues or if another club steps in. For Manchester United, offloading Antony would be part of a broader squad overhaul under Ruben Amorim, who has already moved key players out.
The coming days will be crucial in determining Antony’s future and whether he can reignite his career in La Liga or elsewhere.
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