Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Antony, initially signed by Manchester United in 2022, experienced a career resurgence during his loan at Real Betis in 2025, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 26 appearances[1][2][3].
- Real Betis’ sporting director Manu Fajardo hopes for Antony to return on loan, though financial constraints currently prevent a permanent transfer; a loan extension remains a priority if conditions allow[2][3].
- Manchester United aims to sell or loan Antony before June 2027, with transfer fee expectations between £30-40 million; multiple European and Saudi clubs are monitoring his situation[2][5].
- Antony is contemplating extending his Manchester United contract to facilitate a loan move back to Betis or other clubs, which could serve as strategic leverage to maintain playing time and international prospects[4][5].
- The ongoing negotiations involve complex financial arrangements, including clauses on playtime and penalty clauses for Betis, reflecting the broader market realities in modern football transfers.
Table of Contents
Antony’s Career Revival and Current Transfer Buzz
Real Betis’ Hopeful Pursuit of Antony
Manchester United’s Position and Antony’s Contract
Potential New Developments: Contract Extension as a Strategic Move
Financial and Sporting Implications
What This Means for Antony and Football Fans
Antony’s Career Revival and Current Transfer Buzz
Antony, the Brazilian winger signed by Manchester United in 2022 for around £85 million, has struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford. However, his midseason loan to Real Betis in early 2025 sparked a career revival, where he scored nine goals and provided five assists in 26 appearances, helping Betis reach the UEFA Conference League final[1][2][3].
Real Betis’ Hopeful Pursuit of Antony
Real Betis’ sporting director Manu Fajardo has publicly expressed hope for Antony to return on loan following his successful stint. Both Antony and Betis reportedly desire a reunion, but financial constraints are significant hurdles. Betis currently cannot afford a permanent transfer, which complicates negotiations, though a loan extension remains a key objective for them if they can meet the financial terms[2][3].
Manchester United’s Position and Antony’s Contract
Antony’s contract at Manchester United runs until June 2027. United is motivated to offload the player this summer, having excluded him from preseason tours, and are reportedly demanding a transfer fee estimated between £30-40 million for a permanent move. Multiple European clubs, including Benfica, Bayer Leverkusen, and RB Leipzig, as well as clubs from the Saudi Pro League, are monitoring Antony’s situation[2][5].
Potential New Developments: Contract Extension as a Strategic Move
Amid the stalled transfer talks, Antony is reportedly considering extending his contract with United. This would provide leverage for a loan move back to Betis or another club while protecting United’s investment. This potential “shock new commitment” is viewed positively by Antony and could unblock the transfer impasse, offering him a way to keep playing regularly and maintain his international prospects with Brazil ahead of the next World Cup[4][5].
Financial and Sporting Implications
The arrangement between Betis and United currently excludes a purchase option, making Betis reliant on loan negotiations. There are also clauses imposing penalties on Betis if Antony does not meet minimum playtime requirements. Financial prudence remains crucial for Betis, balancing ambition with sustainability[1][3].
What This Means for Antony and Football Fans
Antony’s situation highlights the complexities top clubs face managing high-profile signings that don’t immediately fit. For Antony, reviving his career at Betis has opened doors but also underscored market realities in modern football transfers. Fans will be watching closely as contract negotiations and loan talks evolve in the coming weeks — any move will impact Antony’s playing time, career trajectory, and Manchester United’s squad planning.
Key Points to Remember
- Antony excelled on loan at Real Betis in 2025 but faces uncertain transfer futures due to financial constraints.
- Betis wants him back but cannot currently afford a permanent transfer.
- Manchester United seeks to sell or loan the player and is firm on transfer fees.
- Antony is considering extending his contract to facilitate easier loan moves.
- Several European and Saudi clubs are interested, creating a competitive market.
Antony’s Career Revival and Current Transfer Buzz
Antony, the Brazilian winger signed by Manchester United in 2022 for around £85 million, has struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford. However, his midseason loan to Real Betis in early 2025 sparked a career revival, where he scored nine goals and provided five assists in 26 appearances, helping Betis reach the UEFA Conference League final[1][2][3].
Real Betis’ Hopeful Pursuit of Antony
Real Betis’ sporting director Manu Fajardo has publicly expressed hope for Antony to return on loan following his successful stint. Both Antony and Betis reportedly desire a reunion, but financial constraints are significant hurdles. Betis currently cannot afford a permanent transfer, which complicates negotiations, though a loan extension remains a key objective for them if they can meet the financial terms[2][3].
Manchester United’s Position and Antony’s Contract
Antony’s contract at Manchester United runs until June 2027. United is motivated to offload the player this summer, having excluded him from preseason tours, and are reportedly demanding a transfer fee estimated between £30-40 million for a permanent move. Multiple European clubs, including Benfica, Bayer Leverkusen, and RB Leipzig, as well as clubs from the Saudi Pro League, are monitoring Antony’s situation[2][5].
Potential New Developments: Contract Extension as a Strategic Move
Amid the stalled transfer talks, Antony is reportedly considering extending his contract with United. This would provide leverage for a loan move back to Betis or another club while protecting United’s investment. This potential “shock new commitment” is viewed positively by Antony and could unblock the transfer impasse, offering him a way to keep playing regularly and maintain his international prospects with Brazil ahead of the next World Cup[4][5].
Financial and Sporting Implications
The arrangement between Betis and United currently excludes a purchase option, making Betis reliant on loan negotiations. There are also clauses imposing penalties on Betis if Antony does not meet minimum playtime requirements. Financial prudence remains crucial for Betis, balancing ambition with sustainability[1][3].
What This Means for Antony and Football Fans
Antony’s situation highlights the complexities top clubs face managing high-profile signings that don’t immediately fit. For Antony, reviving his career at Betis has opened doors but also underscored market realities in modern football transfers. Fans will be watching closely as contract negotiations and loan talks evolve in the coming weeks — any move will impact Antony’s playing time, career trajectory, and Manchester United’s squad planning.
Key Points to Remember
- Antony excelled on loan at Real Betis in 2025 but faces uncertain transfer futures due to financial constraints.
- Betis wants him back but cannot currently afford a permanent transfer.
- Manchester United seeks to sell or loan the player and is firm on transfer fees.
- Antony is considering extending his contract to facilitate easier loan moves.
- Several European and Saudi clubs are interested, creating a competitive market.