Ineos insert clause into Antony loan, Manchester United to land extra fee in case of ‘undisputed’ promise U-turn

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Antony will play the second half of the 2024-25 season in La Liga with Real Betis.

Manchester United have permitted Antony to join Real Betis for the second half of the season, with a loan deal set to be finalised.

Antony’s agents met with the Betis hierarchy this week, after Fabrizio Romano had reported a ‘verbal agreement‘ was in place between all parties.

Real Betis goalkeeper Adrian even discussed Antony’s move, with the Brazilian looking forward to increased playing time.

• READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date

Real Betis high hopes for Antony

Signing Antony on loan is a coup for Real Betis. He arrives as a player who Manchester United once saw fit to spend £80 million on, and has represented Brazil at the World Cup.

While out of form and in desperate need of restoring his reputation, if not for those circumstances, Real Betis would not be signing him on loan, so they are keen to make the most of it.

Spanish newspaper AS reports Antony has held positive discussions with Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini ahead of the switch, with both confident he can recapture his Ajax form.

The outlet report Antony is expecting an ‘undisputed’ role as a starter, a key priority considering he has played just 137 minutes in the Premier League across eight substitute appearances and no starts this season, in the competition.

Betis are comfortable promising Antony a regular starting role, with Pellegrini confident he can fit him into the team alongside Nabil Fekir, Isco, and Giovani Lo Celso.

United, Real Betis and Antony all have the same common goal, for Antony to play well, restore his reputation, and confidence heading into the summer.

Ineos insert Antony clause

Ineos have inserted a clause into the loan deal, that could punish Real Betis financially if they do not fulfil their obligations.

AS report that if Antony does not play a specified minimum number of minutes, Real Betis will incur a higher loan fee than the one they are obligated to pay.

This is United’s way of ensuring Antony is not cast aside, and ends up wasting the loan. Betis are clearly incentivized to play him.

The report describes: “There is a common objective on the table… Betis’ economic effort affects the need for him to have an almost total role in this second part of the season.”

Antony was desperate to prove himself at Manchester United, but this has proven impossible this campaign due to his lack of minutes. You could argue his substitute showings have not earned a more prominent role.

At Betis, he should get a chance refresh his career, in the hope he can increase his value and open up more options for the summer.