After becoming a club icon inside four months at Real Betis, Antony’s heart is set on a return to Seville.
If we told you 12 months ago that Antony would be more in favour at Manchester United than Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford, you might have laughed.
However, in June 2025, that is a very real situation as Antony’s professionalism places him above Garnacho and Rashford. The Brazilian never kicked up a public fuss or shared petty social media jibes.
Instead, he knuckled down and had a sensational loan spell with Real Betis in Spain, where he became a hero to the point they are desperate to have him back.
Betis have offered United a ‘shared’ proposal to sign Antony, a deal that might see the La Liga side purchase a certain percentage of the asking price while United retain a sell-on percentage. Betis would then purchase further percentages yearly until they own him completely, and United loses the sell-on clause.
It is claimed United want just £32.58m to sell Antony; however, this would likely be higher if a deal like the above is approved. Now, a domino has fallen, which might even allow Betis to pay a much higher percentage of the asking price.
Real Betis set to sell Johnny Cardoso to Atletico Madrid
It is no secret that Betis are keen to bring Antony back to Seville. Club captain Isco even suggested that Betis crowdfund to afford Antony, although this was always unlikely.
However, Betis had to raise funds somehow if they wanted to afford Antony, and now the Spanish side are set to be handed a financial boost.
This is reported by Fabrizio Romano, who claims on X that Betis are set to sell midfielder Johnny Cardoso to Atletico Madrid within the next 24 hours.
He explains that the two La Liga clubs are finalising the details of his transfer fee and package, which will be in excess of €30m (£25m).
Finally, Romano adds that it is just a “matter of (short) time”. This will be Betis’ second-largest sale of all time and will provide them with funds to use on Antony.
The American will need to be replaced as well by Betis; however, they are not a big-spending club, which could see a cheaper midfielder signed, and much of the £25m dedicated to Antony.
Manchester United must to put foot down with Real Betis in Antony talks
Betis’ cash injection will be no secret to United, who will be quietly delighted in the hopes that Los Beticos will put their money where their mouth is and pay up for Antony.
United needs to demand this, having been weak in the selling department for years, and so a precedent needs to be set here with Antony.
Ineos needs cash to complete the transfer incomings, and so anything short of £20m this summer for Antony, with future installments, should be disregarded.
This is because Antony also has interest from Como, who would surely pay the £32.5m demands United have set this summer.
United don’t owe Antony a return to Betis, so it’s time Ineos put their feet down with Betis. Pay up or miss out.
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