Manchester United winger Antony is braced for a decisive 24 hours as Real Betis prepare a fresh offer to bring him back to Spain.
The Brazilian, signed for £80m from Ajax in 2022, has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford and looks set to be part of Ruben Amorim’s clear-out as the new manager shapes his squad for the season ahead.
Antony endured a miserable campaign at United, failing to start a single Premier League game last term and reduced to late cameos after Amorim’s arrival in November. His January loan to Betis, however, proved a turning point.
Under Manuel Pellegrini, the winger rediscovered his spark. Within weeks he was nominated for LaLiga’s Player of the Month, scoring five goals and registering two assists in 15 starts. More importantly, Antony played a starring role in Betis’ historic run to the Conference League final, netting in their dramatic 4-3 semi-final victory over Fiorentina. Though Betis were beaten 4-1 by Chelsea in Wroclaw, Antony’s influence was undeniable.
That form has left Pellegrini and Betis president Ángel Haro eager to seal his permanent return. Haro revealed in May that talks were already underway, and Pellegrini recently underlined his admiration for the winger.
“We all know he was very good here,” Pellegrini said. “We want him with us, and Antony wants to return, no doubt. But it depends on Manchester United.”
Betis are expected to table a new proposal on Monday, after their initial loan approach earlier this summer was rejected. United are believed to prefer a permanent exit, though the Andalusian side are weighing up creative financing options to strike a deal.
Meanwhile, Turkish giants Fenerbahce have also registered interest, but Antony’s preference is clear he wants Betis.
For United, moving on from Antony could mark the end of one of the club’s costliest missteps in recent memory. For Betis, it could be the signing that elevates them back into Europe.
With crunch talks looming, Antony’s future may finally be decided this week.
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