Antony has rediscovered his shape during a loan spell at Real Betis, but the Spanish club is confronted with a struggle to permanently sign him from Man Utd at the end of the season
The wing player Antony van Manchester United has enjoyed a Renaissance at Real Betis, but the Spanish side could have trouble signing him permanently in the summer. The 25-year-old was borrowed from Betis in the transfer star of January after this season to score only once in the 14 games. He has delivered 17 target contributions in 96 performances for United, after his £ 85 million transfer from Ajax in 2022.
However, Antony has thrives Betis under coach Manuel Pellegrini, and according to the Spanish Outlet Relo, the club's board is aware that his permanent signing will not be easy. “It was not easy to bring him here and it will not be easy to keep it, although it was probably harder to bring him,” said a club source.
A possible difficulty is the suggestion that United would like transfer costs that is at least equal to the amount they have spent to Antony, which would be an important edition for Betis. Their chances of closing the deal can depend on which budget is available at the end of the season.
La Liga could be set up next year to take an extra Champions League place, and Betis looks at this golden chance while they are in fifth place with the fifth Villarreal placed in the table. A berth from the Champions League can mean a money injection of at least £ 42 million (€ 50 million) for Betis, which may release the way to dive for Antony.
The second part of their reported plan included Betis playing their cards immediately by keeping United in the loop with detailed updates on the progress of Antony and building a positive relationship with the club, which can help to smooth out future transfer discussions. Betis vice-president Jose Miguel Lopez, however, keeps his feet on the ground.
“When we come to that river, we will cross it,” he told Radio Marca. “Another club can be accompanied by a project with which we cannot compete and take it with us.
“We must have ambition and excitement about having these players, but we can't go crazy either. That game has not started yet. There is nothing on the table and we still have a season finale.”
Antony settles well at Betis, scores four goals and helps in 12 performances. He is even laid with Betis star Isco, who would like the club to splash the money to make Antony permanent.
“We have to do a crowdfunding campaign to keep it for at least another year,” Isco told Dazn. “We have noticed a change since he arrived; he contributes so much.”
Antony had nothing but praise for Isco after their derby victory on Seville on Sunday. “He is a star. I am very happy to play with him,” Antony told Relo. “As you say, when you understand Isco's game, things become easier.”
Since leaving United on loan, the transfer value of Antony has certainly increased. Betis, however, will hope that his connection with Isco and Pellegrini can form the third part of their plan to keep the winger for next season.
“I am happy for him; he came from a difficult time in England; he is young and still has a lot to give,” said Pellegrini. “Betis has a style that suits him. In the vicinity of technical players, his game has benefited. The team works on a football idea.”
Betis goes to Barcelona on Saturday while their search for a Champions League spot continues. The club is also in the quarterfinals of the Europa Conference League and will play the first stage of their draw against Jagiellonia Białystok on Thursday.
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