Antony Set for Real Betis Return After Man Utd Accept £81m Flop Exit
Antony spent the second half of last season on loan at Real Betis

Antony Set for Real Betis Return After Man Utd Accept £81m Flop Exit

Antony Set for Real Betis Return After Man Utd Accept Transfer Deal

Manchester United have agreed to sell winger Antony to Real Betis, with the 25-year-old Brazilian given permission to travel to Spain for a medical, according to club sources at Old Trafford.

While Betis are still finalizing certain aspects of the deal, United consider the transfer done and expect the move to be completed swiftly.

Antony spent the second half of last season on loan at Betis, where he played a key role in their run to European qualification and appeared in the UEFA Conference League final, where they lost to Chelsea.

A Disappointing Chapter Ends at United

Antony’s imminent exit brings a close to one of the most disappointing transfers in Manchester United’s history. Signed from Ajax for £81.3m in 2022, Antony became the club’s second most expensive signing, behind only Paul Pogba.

After a promising start, his form dipped dramatically. His last Premier League start came in a 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace in May 2024, and his final league goal for United was the week before, against Burnley.

Since January, he’s found renewed form and confidence in La Liga, scoring five goals and providing two assists in 17 appearances for Betis.

“I found happiness again at Betis. Those were very hard days for me in England,” Antony said recently to TNT Sports Brazil, reflecting on his difficult time at United.

Part of United’s ‘Bomb Squad’

Antony was among a group of players dubbed the “bomb squad”, training separately from the United first team during preseason under Ruben Amorim. Alongside Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Tyrell Malacia, Antony was excluded from first-team activities and barred from using the Carrington training facilities until the squad had departed.

So far, the bomb squad exodus has gained momentum:

  • Rashford has joined Barcelona on loan

  • Garnacho is set to complete a £40m move to Chelsea

  • Sancho and Malacia are expected to follow Antony out the door

What Betis Are Getting

Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini sees Antony as a key piece for their upcoming season, having been impressed with his dribbling, pressing, and flair during the loan spell.

With Antony reportedly happy to take a pay cut, Betis are hopeful of integrating him immediately, with Europa League qualification the club’s minimum target.


What’s Next?

Antony is now expected to undergo his medical and finalise personal terms in the coming days. United will focus on offloading the remaining fringe players before the transfer window closes, while Betis prepare to unveil Antony as their marquee signing of the summer.

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