Real Betis CEO provides encouraging Antony update, there’s a “possibility” he stays beyond loan deal

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Antony has enjoyed a bright start to life at Real Betis.

Manchester United loanee Antony has now played two games for Real Betis since moving on loan and has been named man of the match in both fixtures.

It all started with an MVP (Most Vital Player) accolade on Antony’s debut in a 2-2 draw with Athletic Bilbao and he was voted top performer again on Saturday when they were beaten 3-2 against Celta Vigo.

Antony opened the scoring after 10 minutes and Betis were two goals ahead at half-time, but a second-half collapse led to Celta scoring a winner with three minutes left on the clock.

Betis are currently 10^th in La Liga after winning just one of their last six games in all competitions.

Antony joined United in a mega-money (£86m) move from Ajax but flopped after managing just 18 goal contributions in 96 appearances.

Betis are paying 84% of Antony’s salary for the remainder of the season, and they will be delighted with his performances thus far.

Antony could stay at Real Betis

United are hoping to see Antony perform at a high standard because that will make it easier to sell the Brazilian at the end of the season.

After making good first impressions at Betis, the club’s chief executive Ramon Alarcon has refused to rule out the possibility of Antony staying put.

The agreement between United and Betis does not include the option for the Spanish club to make the move permanent in the summer.

Alarcon admits it is possible Betis may push to keep Antony beyond the end of his loan deal.

Speaking to Cadena Ser’s Radio Sevilla, Alarcon said (as cited by the Manchester Evening News): “I think so. The other day the CEO of United called me.

“We sent them all the moves and details of the player throughout the week so that they can see that we are looking after their asset. There is very good chemistry with Manchester [United] and with the player.

“It is a possibility that he will continue next season, why not?”

Manchester United keeping close eye on Antony

Although Antony is unlikely to have a future at Old Trafford, United are still keeping track of how he is doing in Spain.

United will do that with every player they’ve sent on loan to ensure they are kept up to date with everything that concerns their players.

Antony has a contract at United until 2027 with the option of an additional year.

The Reds will be aiming to make some of the money back that they spent on Antony, but there’s a realisation already that they will be making a loss one way or another.