It is no secret that Real Betis Antony wants to sign again from Manchester United, but their hope to close a deal looks increasingly gloomy. Saudi Arabia has a movement for the 25-year-old ready and the hammer has now fallen.
Man United is desperate to sell Antony, but so far they have not been able to do this. One of the problems they are dealing with is that the player gives priority to a return to Betis, where he was very impressive during the second half of last season. Los Verdiblancos cannot afford to pay the asking price offered, so it has been their intention to agree another loan – but this time with an option to buy.
But Betis could now be put aside in the race to sign Antony, because Foot Mercato has reported that Al-Nassr has entered the race. They have submitted an opening offer – and although the value is not known, it would not be a surprise if it was close to the reported asking price of € 60 million set by Man United.
Al-Nassr and Man United is expected to be able to conclude an agreement on a deal for Antony, which means that the decision to move to the Saudi-Pro competition to the Brazil international will be. If he accepts, Betis will be powerless to do something about it, which means that they have to consider other options.
Betis has money to spend on a new winger, since they have earned more than € 30 million from the sale of Johnny Cardoso earlier in the summer, after his move to Atletico Madrid. Antony is still out of reach, and if he accepts Al-Nassr's proposal, he will stay that way forever, which would be a very big blow to Manuel Pellegrini and Co.