Antony faces a summer of uncertainty after impressing on loan at Real Betis.
A loan move to Real Betis has been followed by a resurgence, with Antony emerging as one of the best attacking players in La Liga.
The Brazil international has rediscovered his best form after bagging six goals and four assists in 19 matches for the Spanish outfit. Antony’s performances highlight why Manchester United spent an initial £81.3 million to sign him from Ajax in 2022.
However, Real Betis may have missed a trick by not including a purchase in Antony’s deal, meaning he could return to United at the end of the season and contemplate offers from other clubs.
Real Betis want Antony to stay, but it remains to be seen if they will be able to afford such a deal with competition likely to arise once the transfer window opens.
Ineos will be trying to generate funds from player sales, and Antony is one of their most sellable assets after his impressive spell in Spain. He will want to make sure he gets more regular game time next season ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Atletico Madrid make Antony enquiry
Antony’s performances in Spain could influence more financially stable clubs in La Liga to launch a pursuit for his signature.
Real Betis have benefited from taking a risk on the Brazilian winger, leading to his market value rising in recent months.
According to journalist Marcos Benito, Atletico Madrid have made an enquiry about signing Antony from under the noses of Real Betis.
“I’m told, or was told yesterday, that Atletico Madrid has set his sights on a Brazilian winger,” Benito said on El Chiringuito.
“They told me they’ve had their eye on Antony, a favourite at Betis, asked to be signed from Manchester United.
“They also tell me they’d be willing to sell him for a figure of around €40-50m and that Atletico Madrid have already enquired about him.”
This will be music to the ears of United chiefs because it could mean that Antony becomes the subject of a bidding war.
Antony makes transfer promise to Real Betis
Although interest is reportedly building around Antony, Real Betis are not yet concerned about the situation.
Real Betis will be focused on finishing the season strongly after beating Fiorentina in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final. That means Antony could guide the Spanish outfit to European glory, with Chelsea also expected to reach the final.
However, Real Betis are optimistic that Antony’s loyalty will shine through this summer.
According to Estadio Deportivo, Antony has promised to ‘do everything in his power’ to secure at least another year at the club.
Antony scored in the 2-1 win over Real Betis and shocked former United goalkeeper David de Gea in the process.
The next step for Real Betis will be the trickiest part because they will need to reach an agreement with United.
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