Antony has looked a player since he was on loan at Real Betis from Manchester United in January – and now another La Liga club is interested in signing him permanently
Manchester United is encouraged by the news that Atletico Madrid is interested in signing Antony in the summer transfer window. United is desperate to load a group of outcast players and are pleased that the form of Antony has aroused during a loan period at Real Betis renewed interest.
Antony seemed flushed and lack of trust when United agreed to borrow him to Betis until the end of the season in January. But the Brazilian has brilliantly responded to a change of environment, and contributes eight goals and five assists in 24 games since he moved to Seville.
He played a key role in the club that reaches the final of the Conference League, where they will be confronted with Chelsea next Wednesday. That of course led to interest rates, who would like to extend the loan agreement for the 2025/26 campaign.
Antony would like to stay in Andalusia, but the decision could be taken from his hands, with United who wants to secure transfer costs instead of another loan.
Antony is in a category with colleague Loanese Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia, where United is looking for a quick sale in the summer transfer window to provide funds for the rebuilding of the team.
The independent report that Atletico Madrid could explain an offer on Antony will therefore be music to the ears of those who are in power at Old Trafford. Fresh interest in the winger, who cost £ 85 million in 2022 from Ajax, can help United launch an auction for their player.
After he had fired Betis at the final of the Conference League against Fiorentina, an emotional Antony said that he “lived a dream” with the club. Sevilla seems to be much better with him than Manchester, where he has only returned 12 goals and five assists in 96 games since Erik ten Hag brought him to the club.
“Yes, I am very happy. I found myself,” he said recently. “I had to find myself and be happy. My family also had to be happy. Every day confirms that it was the best decision and as you said, I enjoy the city and the club every day.
“It [Seville] Reminds me a lot of Brazil: the sun, the food, everything. The people are also very hot and happy; That is important for us who come from Brazil and are used to it. Like I said, I am very happy.
“It is important to score goals and offer assists, but for me the most important thing is to sleep peacefully, knowing how I do it with myself and am good and happy. Seeing my family smiles is also essential for me; I always talk to my family in Brazil and they are also very happy for me.”