The future of Manchester United winger Antony has yet to be resolved.
After spending the second half of last season on loan at Real Betis, Antony is understood to be looking for a permanent exit away from Manchester United.
Real Betis have not shied away from showing their interest in Antony, but the biggest obstacle has been whether they can reach an agreement with United.
United must accept that they will make a loss on Antony after spending £81.3 million to sign the Brazilian from Ajax in 2022, but it remains to be seen if a deal will be struck to complete his exit this summer.
Ruben Amorim could do with selling more players to generate funds for extra signings. United have already added three players to their squad this summer, including Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Several United first-team members face uncertain futures, with Marcus Rashford set to join Barcelona on loan. Jadon Sancho has attracted interest from Juventus, but it remains to be seen if the Serie A outfit can reach an agreement with United.
Amorim will be keen to get rid of any players who have their heads elsewhere before the competitive season begins.
Real Betis have alternatives to Antony transfer
Real Betis have now stressed that they are not afraid to walk away from a deal for United winger Antony.
It has long been suggested that Betis are pushing to sign Antony on another loan deal, while United would prefer to strike a permanent deal.
Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo has made the club’s stance clear, while stressing a deal is dependent on United’s price. That is a suggestion that the Red Devils may need to lower their price demands for Betis to sign the Brazil international.
Spanish outlet Diario de Sevilla quoted Fajardo, revealing Betis’ intentions to add to their squad this summer. While Antony is a preference, Betis must overcome several obstacles to strike a deal.
“From an economic standpoint, it has to fit within our parameters. A purchase depends on United’s price,” explained Haro.
“A loan rather than a purchase is more feasible, given what Manchester wants to ask for. We’re assuming, and Betis is making efforts, that he can arrive, but if he doesn’t, I don’t want it to be seen as a failure. It’s difficult to bring in a player of this quality and such a high financial compensation.
“Our responsibility is to be prepared, and we have alternatives in case Antony doesn’t arrive. We’re calm,” added Fajardo when asked about the situation.
It sounds like Betis are happy to play the long game when it comes to signing Antony. That is a blatant attempt to drag out the deal and force United into accepting a late loan because they have already made it clear he has no future at the club, after missing out on a place in the pre-season squad.
Antony could have other options on the table
It has been suggested that Atletico Madrid are leading the race for Antony, but Bayer Leverkusen have also been mentioned after appointing Erik ten Hag as manager.
That would mean Betis are taking a gamble waiting on a player who could agree to move elsewhere.
Although reports in Spain suggest that Antony’s heart is set on a return to Betis.
For now, at least, he is back in Manchester.
It doesn’t bode well for United that they will need to wait longer to find Antony a new club.
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