Manchester United have struggled to sell players all summer long. Antony is one who looks to be on the way out.
Now in August, Manchester United have not managed to sell a single player for a fee this summer.
All outgoings have been loan deals, including Marcus Rashford’s exit to Barcelona.
One player expected to leave is Antony, with interest building in the Brazilian winger following an impressive loan spell away from the club.
Antony determined to land Real Betis move
In recent days Antony has been heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, and specifically with Al-Nassr, where he would reunite with former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
United In Focus understands that Antony’s top priority is to land a dream move back to Real Betis in La Liga, and he is prepared to take a wage cut to make a deal happen.
Via transfer insider Graeme Bailey, we understand that Antony’s camp have made it clear to Manchester United that they only want to join Real Betis this summer.
“Antony has been the subject of approaches from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Brazil, and there was interest from his former club Ajax.
“But the Brazilian winger remains clear that he has already confirmed he is ready to take a significant wage drop to make the move happen – but United have not been able to come to agreement with Betis.
“Betis want to pay a minimal fee but with huge sell on for United and then pay that off incrementally.”
More Antony talks could take place imminently
Talks between Real Betis and Manchester United have not reached a solution so far, but they could take a step forward in the coming days.
Bailey explains: “It is believed Betis are due to meet United representatives this weekend. They are in England for a pre-season friendly with Sunderland.
“Antony and Betis want this to happen, they are showing loyalty to each other. Antony wants them and is rejecting offers and Betis are not looking elsewhere.”
Antony’s loan at Real Betis was rated as the most successful loan spell among all Manchester United’s 18 deals last season.
After joining the club in the January transfer window, Antony scored nine goals and provided two assists in all competitions for the club.
He spoke regularly about how happy he was to be playing regularly and finding his joy, putting his United spell behind him.
And despite claims that international teammate Matheus Cunha believes Antony could still be an asset if he stays at the club, the winger’s intent is to leave.
It is refreshing to hear a player being willing to take a pay cut to seal a move, as player wages have frequently been the blocker preventing sales.
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