How Glazer Family Left Antony Sweating on €25m Man Utd Exit – with Real Betis Return Rushed Through Before Transfer Deadline

Antony’s Transfer Saga: Glazer Family Delays €25m Man Utd Exit as Real Betis Rushed Move Before Deadline

Transfer windows are rarely straightforward, but the story of Antony’s €25m move from Manchester United to Real Betis had all the drama of a football soap opera. What should have been a relatively simple deal turned into a nerve-wracking waiting game, with the Brazilian winger left sweating as the Glazer family, Manchester United’s American owners, held the keys to his exit.

In the end, the move went through, but not before Betis executives, Antony himself, and even United’s staff endured a frantic race against the clock.

What Happened Behind the Scenes?

Antony had spent last season on loan at Real Betis, where he rediscovered his spark. The Andalusian fans embraced him, and he made no secret of his desire to return permanently. From the beginning of the summer transfer window, he told both his representatives and Betis that his preference was to go back “home.”

But there was one major obstacle: Manchester United’s valuation. The club had splashed out a jaw-dropping £85m (€100m/$115m) when signing him from Ajax in 2022. Letting him go for a fraction of that price was never going to be easy, especially under an ownership group as business-minded as the Glazers.

Betis, a club known for operating on tight margins, could not and would not meet that figure. Negotiations stalled, tensions rose, and at one point, the deal looked dead.

Antony Manchester United

The Bigger Picture: Antony’s Fall at Manchester United

To understand why United ultimately relented, it’s worth revisiting Antony’s trajectory in Manchester.

When he first arrived, Erik ten Hag made him a key piece of his rebuilding project. But after an encouraging debut season, his form collapsed. By 2024-25, he had slipped down the pecking order, struggling for minutes and confidence.

Supporters grew impatient, pundits questioned his value, and by the time last season ended, it was clear that United were open to offers—if the price was right.

This opened the door for Betis, who saw an opportunity to bring back a player who had already proven his value in La Liga. But United’s hardline stance on the fee complicated matters.

Ramos Alcaron Reveals the Stressful Negotiations

The clearest picture of how tense things became comes from Ramos Alcaron, Real Betis’ CEO, who spoke candidly about the saga in an interview with ABC Sevilla.

“There was a moment when we saw it was lost,” Alcaron admitted. “United’s position was difficult. We had a difference of €5-6m and had already reached our limit. In the end, we all made an effort. We did our part, so did the player, and so did United.”

He went on to describe the chaotic final weekend of the window. On Sunday at 2am, after Betis had already played a league match against Athletic, United suddenly sent over the draft contract. By Monday morning, adjustments were made, but even then, final approval depended on signatures from the United States.

“At 3pm on Monday, the owners finally signed,” Alcaron revealed. “That’s when we knew the deal was done. Until then, there was still stress.”

For Antony, it meant waiting anxiously for confirmation, unsure if his dream return would collapse in the final hours.

Why Did the Glazers Drag Their Feet?

Antony Betis 2025

For Manchester United’s owners, transfers are more than football decisions—they’re business calculations. Selling Antony for €25m meant accepting a massive financial loss on a player they’d invested over three times as much in just three years earlier.

The Glazers also inserted protective clauses. The deal includes:

• Several performance-based add-ons that could increase the final fee.

• A 50% sell-on clause, ensuring United profit if Betis or another club cash in on Antony down the line.

From their perspective, this softened the blow. Still, the delay reflected the ownership’s cautious approach and insistence on squeezing every last euro from negotiations.

Did You Know?

• Antony cost Ajax just €15m when he joined from São Paulo in 2020. His value skyrocketed after his Champions League performances.

• Real Betis have only broken the €20m transfer barrier a handful of times in their history. Antony’s deal ranks among their biggest-ever outlays.

• United’s record departure remains Cristiano Ronaldo’s €94m move to Real Madrid in 2009. Antony’s sale, though much smaller, still represents one of their most significant financial write-offs.

Betis’ Gamble and the Fans’ Excitement

For Betis, this was a calculated risk. Spending €25m isn’t something they do lightly. But club executives believe Antony can be a transformative signing, both on the pitch and commercially.

Supporters have already welcomed him back with open arms. In Seville, his flair and samba style are appreciated in a way that perhaps never fully clicked in Manchester. There’s a sense that this second chapter could be the one where Antony truly flourishes.

Antony’s Relief and Determination

Antony himself has stayed quiet publicly since the move, but those close to him say he’s relieved. Last season’s loan spell convinced him that Betis was the right environment—less pressure than Old Trafford, a style of play that suits him, and a fanbase that appreciates his risk-taking.

Now, he wants to repay the faith shown in him. At 25, he’s still young enough to rebuild his reputation and prove that the talent Ajax once nurtured hasn’t disappeared.

What’s Next for Antony and Real Betis?

The immediate task is settling back into Manuel Pellegrini’s system. Betis, under the veteran Chilean manager, play a technical and attacking style, one that should give Antony plenty of opportunities to express himself.

But expectations are higher this time. This isn’t a loan anymore—it’s a permanent transfer, and with that comes pressure. Fans will want consistency, goals, and assists, not just flashes of brilliance.

For Manchester United, meanwhile, the chapter closes with a mix of disappointment and pragmatism. They lost money, but they also moved on a player who no longer fit their plans.

Conclusion: How Glazer Family Left Antony Sweating on €25m Man Utd Exit with Real Betis Return Sealed at the Last Minute

In the end, the story of how the Glazer family left Antony sweating on his €25m Man Utd exit is one of modern football’s messy realities. Clubs want maximum value, players want clarity, and deadlines force compromises.

For Antony, the outcome is positive: a return to a club and city that made him feel valued. For Betis, it’s a bold investment in a player who could light up La Liga. And for Manchester United, it’s the end of a costly experiment, albeit with some insurance for the future.

What remains to be seen is whether this move truly revives Antony’s career—or whether it becomes just another chapter in the unpredictable world of football transfers.