In an intriguing development from La Liga, former Manchester United winger Antony is catching the eye of Spanish giants Real Madrid following an impressive spell with Real Betis. The Brazilian, once deemed a catastrophic signing for the Red Devils after his high-profile move from Ajax for a staggering £85 million in 2022, appears to have transformed his fortunes on Spanish soil.
Antony’s stint at Old Trafford was largely forgettable, marking a mere five goals and three assists across 62 Premier League appearances over three seasons. His struggles in England have been well-documented, leading to a tumultuous period that saw him vocal about his treatment at the club in both Spanish and Brazilian press. Despite the challenges, Antony remains resolute that his experiences in England have fortified him mentally.
Speaking candidly to Spanish daily AS in October, Antony reflected on his time under manager Ruben Amorim, citing limited interaction and a mutual understanding over training separately. “The decision [by Amorim] was to train apart, which I respected. Now, I’ve grown stronger mentally, knowing my mental health is crucial to my success,” Antony explained. This newfound resilience has manifestly translated into a sublime run of form at Betis, where he’s tallied six goals and three assists in just 13 appearances.
The turn of events at Real Betis hasn’t gone unnoticed, as Defensa Central reports that Real Madrid are actively ‘considering a significant reinforcement for their attack’. The prospect of Antony donning the illustrious white kit of Los Blancos marks a dramatic shift for the winger, who has fast become a hero at Real Betis’ Benito Villamarín Stadium.
Despite Real Madrid’s interest, Betis are reluctant to part with their newfound idol, especially given his resounding impact and popularity among the fans. Even if a loan move might be considered, the resolve at Betis suggests they aim to hold onto their prized asset.
In a recent international break, Antony disclosed that his compatriot and recently-acquired Man Utd star Matheus Cunha had expressed a desire for the pair to link up at the Premier League side. However, Antony declared, “Matheus Cunha wanted me to play there with him, but the situation was already very difficult. I have a lot of affection for him.”
This astounding turnaround in Antony’s career could see him make headlines once again, this time potentially lighting up the Santiago Bernabéu, and it underscores the unpredictable nature of footballing destinies.