Antony Wanted by Jose Mourinho! Man Utd to Receive €45m Fenerbahce Bid but Winger Reluctant to Join Super Lig Side Amid Desire for Real Betis Return

A Potential Exit From Old Trafford

For much of the summer, speculation has swirled around Antony’s future at Manchester United. Once heralded as one of Erik ten Hag’s most trusted signings, the Brazilian winger now finds himself at a career crossroads. With interest from multiple clubs and United eager to sanction a sale, the situation has grown increasingly complicated.

The latest twist involves Fenerbahce, led by none other than Jose Mourinho, who are reportedly ready to put €45 million (£38m/$49m) on the table. That figure would satisfy United’s desire for a permanent deal, but there’s a catch: Antony himself is hesitant to commit. His heart appears to be elsewhere — most notably in Spain, where a loan spell at Real Betis reignited his confidence and form.

What Happened?

According to ESPN and several other outlets, Fenerbahce are prepared to move decisively, lodging a formal bid to bring Antony to Istanbul. United are said to be keen on striking a permanent deal as quickly as possible, eager to draw a line under what has been a frustrating chapter at Old Trafford.

But while the Red Devils would be happy to close the sale, Antony has his reservations. Sources close to the player suggest that he is reluctant to move to the Turkish Super Lig, despite Mourinho’s reputation and the lure of playing under one of the most decorated managers in modern football. Instead, Antony is believed to be holding out for alternative offers, particularly from Spain.

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The Bigger Picture

This saga is not just about Antony, but also about United’s wider transfer strategy. The club have made it clear: they do not want another loan deal. Real Betis, Brighton, Bayer Leverkusen and Benfica have all shown interest in recent weeks, but most suitors have proposed temporary arrangements.

United, however, want to free up wages, secure a transfer fee, and move on from a player whose impact has not matched the expectations that accompanied his high-profile arrival in 2022. From a business standpoint, Fenerbahce’s willingness to pay €45m outright is exactly what Old Trafford officials have been waiting for.

Antony’s Manchester United Journey

When Antony swapped Ajax for United in the summer of 2022, it was one of the most expensive transfers in Premier League history. The €95 million (£81m/$103m) fee symbolised Ten Hag’s belief in a player he knew well from Amsterdam, but it also placed a heavy weight on Antony’s shoulders.

The Brazilian winger showed flashes of brilliance — quick feet, direct dribbling, moments of flair that lit up Old Trafford. Yet the consistency was never there. He struggled to adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League, his output dwindled, and over time, he slipped further down the pecking order.

By the time United sanctioned a loan move to Real Betis in January 2024, many supporters saw it as an opportunity for him to rediscover himself in a new environment.

A Look at the Figures

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The numbers tell the story of Antony’s rediscovery in Spain:

• 26 appearances for Betis in all competitions

• 9 goals and 5 assists — a respectable return for a player rebuilding his confidence

• Multiple Man of the Match performances, including in high-pressure La Liga fixtures

At Betis, Antony seemed to find his spark again. The Spanish style of football, less physical but more technical, suited his qualities. He became a fan favourite almost overnight, forming a dynamic attacking link with Isco and Ayoze Pérez.

Little wonder, then, that Antony is so keen on a return.

Mourinho’s Fenerbahce Project

On the other side of the saga is Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. Since arriving in Turkey, the Portuguese coach has made it clear he wants to build a squad capable of competing not just domestically, but also in Europe.

Mourinho has always valued wingers who can stretch defences, inject unpredictability, and contribute in decisive moments. From his days working with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Arjen Robben, and Eden Hazard, he has consistently invested in attacking talent.

In Antony, Mourinho sees a project — a player whose reputation has taken a hit but who still possesses raw ability that, under the right management, could be reignited. For Fenerbahce, a marquee signing like Antony would not only strengthen their squad but also send a message across Europe: they mean business.

Did You Know?

• Antony is still under contract at Manchester United until June 2027.

• His transfer fee from Ajax remains the second-most expensive signing in United’s history, behind only Paul Pogba.

• Despite his struggles in England, Antony has 14 caps for Brazil and remains on the radar of the national team.

• At Betis, his shirt sales reportedly spiked by over 200% during his loan spell, a sign of his popularity in Seville.

What Antony Wants

Despite the financial appeal of Fenerbahce’s bid, Antony’s personal preference seems clear: he wants to play in a league that suits his game, and Spain fits the bill perfectly. His loan spell at Betis offered him stability, appreciation, and confidence — three things he lacked at United.

The winger reportedly views the Spanish league as a better platform to rebuild his career long-term, potentially even earning a move back to one of Europe’s elite clubs if he shines consistently.

His reluctance to join Fenerbahce has nothing to do with disrespect towards Turkish football, but rather with his conviction that La Liga’s style is better suited to his strengths.

United’s Dilemma

This puts Manchester United in a difficult position. On paper, Fenerbahce’s €45m bid is a dream outcome — a significant recoup of funds, immediate financial relief, and the removal of a high salary from the books.

But football transfers aren’t just about numbers. If Antony refuses to agree terms, the deal is dead in the water. United could be left with little choice but to sanction another loan, delaying the permanent solution they so desperately want.

It’s a delicate balancing act: push Antony too hard towards Turkey, and risk souring relations with the player; hold out too long for Spain, and risk losing the only concrete permanent bid on the table.

What Next for Antony?

As the summer transfer window ticks down, Antony’s future remains unresolved. The coming weeks will be decisive. If Real Betis can raise funds or structure a deal closer to United’s demands, Antony’s preferred move could materialise.

If not, United may press him to reconsider Fenerbahce, particularly under Mourinho’s persuasive influence. Alternatively, other suitors like Bayer Leverkusen or Benfica could re-enter the race late in the window.

Whatever happens, one thing is clear: Antony’s days at Old Trafford are numbered. Both the club and the player know a clean break is the best solution. The only question is where that fresh start will take place.

Conclusion: A Saga Still Unfolding

Football history is full of transfers where money, ambition, and personal preference collide. Antony’s situation at Manchester United is a perfect example.

On one side stands United, eager to secure a permanent sale and close the chapter. On the other stands Fenerbahce, with Mourinho ready to welcome a high-profile winger. And caught in the middle is Antony himself, dreaming of a return to Spain, where he finally felt at home again.

As the days count down, all eyes will be on whether €45 million from Istanbul proves more persuasive than the pull of Seville. Either way, Antony’s next move could define the trajectory of his career — a chance to silence critics, revive his reputation, and remind the world why he once commanded such a monumental transfer fee.