It is no secret that Real Betis Antony wants to re -sign Manchester United in the summer, after his successful loan in the second half of this season. The Brazilian winger has been a revelation since his move to the Benito Villamarin during the winter transfer window, so it is no surprise that a new deal is being sought.
Antony's excellence went to another level on Thursday when he helped Betis to qualify for the UEFA Conference League final with a 4-3 total victory over Fiorentina. He gave a goal and assisted in Florence when Manuel Pellegrinis picked up the draw they needed to take their place in Wroclaw later this month.
Betis-President Angel Haro spoke with Cope about Antony's situation, because he confirmed that conversations were already planned to take place with Man United during the low season.
“His name was put on the table by the sports director. It was a cheap approach because Manchester took almost all the salary. The player wanted to come to Betis. It was a pure loan, it was very cheap for betis and there was no option to negotiate something.”
Haro revealed that the process of retaining Antony will be far from easy, with Man United holding the majority of the cards.
“Keeping Antony is whole, very complicated. We will have a meeting with Manchester United to extend the loan with another year, to be able to share a percentage of the player … The point is to see the construction of the player and Manchester United.
“The first filter is placed by Manchester United, and then the player's negotiation would come, but that is a long way away. Moreover, the player is now connected to want to lift a title with betis. When the time comes and the season is over, he will be able to do his part if this option opens.”