Manchester United’s biggest success story this season is arguably away from the club as Antony has flourished at Real Betis but a storm could be brewing for the summer.
Antony’s loan at Real Betis has exceeded the most optimistic expectations as he’s become the unquestioned talisman of the Spanish team.
Betis are enamoured with Antony and have stopped trying to hide the stance that they want to keep him, at least for another season.
Man Utd, on the other hand, would want to cash in permanently while his value is at its peak, with other parties like Atletico Madrid interested in Antony.
Betis haven’t ruled out a move either but their president Angel Haro’s latest comments show that they are playing a dangerous game.
Real Betis president on Antony
Real Betis have had no concerns about talking publicly on Antony’s future, be it Joaquin saying he’d be willing to kidnap the player or Isco cheekily suggesting crowdfunding.
Add Real Betis president Angel Haro to the list and his comments are worth dissecting because they come straight from the person at the center of the negotiations.
Haro said that the initial loan deal for the Brazilian involved no negotiations because United were so desperate to get rid, but that situation has changed.
In a statement that will annoy United, he said keeping Antony permanently is ‘very, very complicated’, before suggesting a way forward that the club won’t like one bit.
He said [via COPE]: “His name was put on the table by the sporting director. It was a low-priced approach because Manchester United assumed 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 anything.
“Keeping Antony is very, very complicated. We will have a meeting with Manchester United to extend the loan for another year, to be able to share a percentage of the player… It’s about seeing the predisposition of the player and Manchester United.
“The first filter is put by Manchester United, and then the negotiation of the player would come, but that is a long way off.”
Real Betis playing dangerous game with Man Utd
It is clear from Haro’s comments that there is an element of poker and brinkmanship going on, with Betis playing a dangerous game.
Instead of letting United dictate the terms, Haro is trying to put the ball in Antony’s court and urging him to take matters into his own hands if he wants to return to Betis.
They will be fully aware that another loan won’t be ideal for Man Utd but they don’t want to spend on a permanent transfer, so they’re passing responsibility and effectively giving Antony a call to action.
In a worst-case scenario, Antony will dig his heels in and reject any offers, forcing United to accept Betis’ loan offer.
The Brazilian did something similar when he wanted to leave Ajax for Man Utd so there’s precedent there, but he’s been professional at Old Trafford.
United will hope that Antony works with the club in finding a resolution best for all parties, even if that means leaving Betis hanging unless they stump up the cash for a permanent transfer.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
