Despite Antony’s better record with Real Betis, Manchester United is aware that they will lose money on him. However, a recent report has revealed how much they believe they can get for him.
One of Manchester United’s largest transfer market wastes is Antony. Even with the same management who had brought out the best in him in the Eredivisie, he struggled for form in the Premier League after they paid over £82 million to sign him from Ajax. Over two and a half years, he only managed five goals in the top level for the team.
As a result, when Antony departed on loan for Real Betis in January, Manchester United was happy to see him go. However, they may be surprised to learn that he has been playing well in La Liga.
Man Utd is currently faced with a difficult decision about Antony. Is now the proper time to cash in, or has he earned another chance?
Since Antony is still not part of Ruben Amorim’s plans, all indications continue to point to a new departure for him in the summer. However, there is still plenty to consider regarding the next course of action.
Football Insider claims that Manchester United has now decided on their asking price for Antony. According to the website, the Red Devils will consider offers for the 25-year-old that fall between £20 million and £30 million.
It demonstrates how much Antony has declined overall since Manchester United made an investment in him, even though his play has improved in Spain.
It appears that Antony will look into staying in Spanish football the most. After helping them reach the Conference League final, Real Betis would really like to keep him, but they might need to convince Manchester United to extend his loan.
Betis could make a permanent bid, but even at £20 million, it would have to be one of their largest ever expenditures.
However, they now face a further danger after it was made public last week that Atletico Madrid had developed feelings for Antony, which are now being confirmed by additional sources.
Diego Simeone’s team is now debating whether to pursue the Brazil international, although they would be fierce competitors for his services.
Atleti regularly compete in the Champions League, but Betis has improved since Antony came, and they are now within five spots of the top five in La Liga.
Can Real Betis stave off rival threats for Antony?
After the season, Man Utd and Betis will talk about Antony’s future. He has a contract with the team through 2027.
Earlier this week, Angel Haro, the president of the Spanish team, stated: “The sporting director put his name on the table.” Because Manchester United covered nearly all of the salaries, it was a low-cost strategy.
“The player wanted to come to Betis. It was a pure loan, it was very cheap for Betis and there was no option to negotiate anything.
“Keeping Antony is very, very complicated. We will have a meeting with Manchester United to extend the loan for another year, to be able to share a percentage of the player… It’s about seeing the predisposition of the player and Manchester United.
“The first filter is put by Manchester United, and then the negotiation of the player would come, but that is a long way off.
“In addition, now the player is plugged in wanting to lift a title with Betis. When the time comes and the season is over, he will be able to do his part if this option opens up.”
IN FOCUS: The timeline of Antony at Real Betis
➡️ January 25: Antony signs for Real Betis on loan for the rest of the season
➡️ February 2: Antony makes his debut for Real Betis and is named player of the match in a 2-2 draw with Athletic Club
➡️ February 9: After scoring his first goal for Real Betis against Celta de Vigo, Antony earns the player of the match award for a second successive game
➡️ February 13: Antony inspires Real Betis to a Conference League win over Gent with a goal from outside the box
➡️ February 16: Antony gets a goal and assist in a 3-0 win over Real Sociedad
➡️ February 19: Antony is nominated for the player of the month award in LaLiga
➡️ February 23: Towards the end of a game in which he got an assist against Getafe, Antony receives the first red card of his Real Betis spell – but it is rescinded on appeal three days later
➡️ March 1: Antony completes all 90 minutes of Real Betis’ win over Real Madrid – their first in five years
➡️ March 13: Real Betis beat Vitoria de Guimaraes to reach the Conference League quarter-finals, with Antony getting a goal and assist in the second leg
➡️ April 21: Antony scores his first LaLiga goal in over two months in a win over Girona
➡️ May 4: Antony scores the winning goal for Betis in added time away at Espanyol
➡️ May 8: A week after scoring in the first leg, Antony gets a goal and assist in the second leg of the Conference League semi-final against Fiorentina to send Betis into a final against Chelsea
Leave a Reply