Antony Betis Dream Hinges on Major Sacrifice as Manchester United Talks Drag On
Real Betis continue push for Manchester United outcast Antony, but La Liga transfer depends on salary sacrifice and Old Trafford’s demands
After a rollercoaster few years in England, it seems Antony may finally have found a home — and some happiness — in Seville. But as Real Betis seek to turn the Brazilian winger’s successful loan spell into a permanent deal, the biggest obstacle may not be the transfer fee, but rather the sacrifices required to make it all happen.
Manchester United’s £85 million man is at a crossroads. And this time, it’s not about form, fitness or minutes — it’s about finances, future, and whether the player’s heart can outweigh his pay packet.
A revival in green and white
When Antony made the surprise switch from Manchester to Betis in January, many wondered whether he could bounce back from a turbulent time at Old Trafford. The Brazilian had become something of a scapegoat in an underperforming United side, with his hefty price tag and inconsistent end product drawing constant scrutiny. But in La Liga, under the sunny skies of Andalusia and the rhythmic football of Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis, Antony rediscovered not just his spark, but his smile.
Five goals in half a season and a starring role in Betis’ remarkable run to the UEFA Conference League final rekindled the excitement that had surrounded him during his Ajax days. More importantly, he looked like a player enjoying his football again — something that had been missing in Manchester for quite some time.
The 24-year-old made no secret of his affection for the club and the city. Sources close to the player confirm that his preference is to remain in Seville. But sentiment alone won’t be enough to seal the deal.
Why Antony’s Real Betis transfer isn’t done yet
Betis president Ángel Haro has offered an unusually candid insight into the ongoing discussions — and the reality behind the scenes.
“We’re talking to the player because coming to Betis entails a considerable reduction in salary,” Haro told Cope Sevilla. “We have to maintain our financial discipline and we don’t want to break it.”
The words “considerable reduction” aren’t just throwaway. Antony’s wages at Manchester United are understood to be among the highest at the club following his £85 million move from Ajax in 2022. Betis, a club with modest financial means even by La Liga standards, simply cannot match those figures — not even close.
Haro continued: “He’s a fantastic player; he’s given us a lot in the last six months. But we have to get everything right; we can’t go crazy.”
It’s a situation that epitomises the modern football transfer dilemma — a player wants the move, the club wants the player, but the numbers don’t quite add up. “It involves the player, who loves Betis, but he also has to consider his own interests,” Haro added.
Antony is said to be willing to negotiate — he knows full well that his time at United is effectively over. However, he is also under no obligation to walk away from a lucrative deal that still has two years to run. The winger and his representatives are now caught in a delicate balancing act between emotional investment and financial realism.
What about Manchester United?
The Red Devils, for their part, appear open to a sale — or at the very least, another loan — as they continue to reshape their squad under new sporting leadership. With Dan Ashworth now in post and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group overseeing football operations, United are keen to cut their losses where necessary and move on from past transfer missteps.
Antony, who cost the club a British-record fee for a winger just two summers ago, certainly falls into that category. But United aren’t prepared to give him away. A permanent deal remains the preference, though loan options are still on the table if a reasonable transfer fee can’t be agreed.
“The deal depends on Manchester United, Antony, and on Betis being willing to pay the transfer fee,” Haro admitted. “We’re working on that path; it won’t be easy. Manchester paid a significant amount, and he has two years left on his contract.”
United’s valuation remains high, but there’s a growing sense they’ll compromise — especially if the player makes his intentions clear and Betis show creativity in structuring the deal.
A player with suitors — but eyes on Seville
Should the move fall through, Antony won’t be short of alternatives. Reports in Spain and Brazil suggest several clubs in both Europe and South America are monitoring his situation. Still, his priority — and hope — is a return to the Benito Villamarín.
There, he felt the warmth of the fans, the freedom to play his natural game, and the trust of a coach who allowed him to express himself again. In short, it felt like home. But to make it permanent, Antony will need to trade the comfort of a hefty wage for the satisfaction of a fresh start.
It’s a sacrifice — but one he seems increasingly willing to consider.
What’s next in the Antony transfer saga?
As talks continue, Betis are playing a careful game. They know Antony wants to return. They know Manchester United want to sell. But they also know the financial gap is wide, and that even a small misstep could derail negotiations.
Still, with the player pushing from his end and Betis working on “imaginative” solutions, as Haro put it, there is hope. Real hope.
And for Antony, this is more than just a transfer. It’s a shot at redemption, a chance to rebuild not just his reputation, but his joy for the game — even if it comes at a personal cost.
As football so often reminds us, the biggest sacrifices sometimes lead to the greatest rewards.
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