The Real Betis dressing room wants Antony to stay at the club beyond his loan deal.
Antony cost Manchester United a whopping £81 million in 2022 following a transfer from Ajax, with Erik ten Hag taking the Brazilian with him to Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old flopped at United but has since rediscovered his best form in Seville playing for Real Betis.
With four goals and five assists in 12 games since joining Betis on loan in January, Antony helped his side complete their first league win over rivals Seville since 2018, with a 2-1 win last weekend.
Real Betis talisman Isco made it clear Antony is a wanted man by suggesting a crowdfunding campaign to pay for the permanent deal following their derby win.
The La Liga outfit has until the summer to come up with a way to sign Antony, but it remains to be seen if they will put their money where their mouth is…
Real Betis players support Antony crowdfund idea
It turns out Real Betis are desperate to keep Antony.
Antony stated that it’s too early to decide on his future and he will be focused on finishing the season as strongly as possible.
Champions League football is a possibility as they’re La Liga’s in-form team with six consecutive wins, but their next league meeting takes place tonight when they travel to face Barcelona.
Former Barcelona defender Marc Bartra, who signed for Betis in 2023, also wants Antony to remain at Estadio Benito Villamarin.
“Among my teammates, we’re willing to do whatever’s best for the team, let’s go,” Bartra told Marca.
“Antony’s doing very well, and Betis has been giving him incredible affection and love from day one.”
Unfortunately for Antony, he did not get that ‘love’ at United but Ten Hag gave him many opportunities to prove himself. Some United fans may even argue he was given too many chances.
Manuel Pellegrini remains coy on Antony
Interestingly, Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has taken a different approach to addressing Antony’s rumours in the press.
The former Manchester City manager has got the best out of the winger in Spain and will be eager to keep hold of him beyond his temporary deal.
“We’ve all seen what Antony has done here with the team, and I hope he can stay, although we know it won’t be easy,” Pellegrini said, as cited by talkSPORT.
“He’s fitted in very well with the team’s collective play and has had important individual performances.
“I think the important thing now for Antony and everyone else is to focus on winning the next three points and trying to achieve a bigger goal, which of course would perhaps change the club’s financial situation, playing in the Champions League or reaching higher levels in European competitions.
“And based on that reality, we’ll then see what the best squad is to face next season.”
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