Betis push to keep Antony as United weigh up permanent exit plan | OneFootball

Betis Push for Antony Continuity Amid United Negotiations

South American Spark Ignites Verdiblanco Ambitions

Real Betis may have fallen short in the UEFA Conference League final against Chelsea in Wroclaw, but their campaign’s second half has been defined by one man: Antony. The Brazilian winger, on loan from Manchester United, has not only reignited his own confidence but also lit up Benito Villamarín with his goals, assists and daring flair.

As MARCA reported, “Antony has regained his self-confidence, and that has translated into good football, goals, and assists.” The Sao Paulo native’s resurgence has been timely, helping Manuel Pellegrini’s side punch above their weight and seal a return to European competition via the Europa League. While the final hurdle against Chelsea proved too high, few would argue against Antony’s key role in reaching it.

Consensus in Seville

Internally, Betis are unanimous. They want Antony to stay beyond his short loan, which formally ends on June 30th. As MARCA noted, “there is complete and absolute consensus to ensure that the Brazilian’s time at the club goes beyond this loan.” Despite no binding agreement with Manchester United yet, the intention is clear – keep Antony in green and white for at least one more season.

However, extending the loan appears unlikely. With Manchester United missing out on European football and suffering a financial hit, MARCA’s sources suggest Old Trafford “is looking to recoup part of the multi-million-pound investment they made in the player.”

Creative Solutions for a Complicated Deal

Faced with financial realities, Betis are preparing an alternative. MARCA reveals the Spanish club may attempt to buy a percentage of Antony’s pass, a common practice in South American football. The idea? Share profits on any future sale, allowing both clubs to benefit from Antony’s continued development and potential resale value.

“Betis is considering… the possibility of presenting an offer to buy a percentage of the player’s pass,” MARCA reports, highlighting the club’s pragmatic ambition. With Antony reportedly “already returned to Ancelotti’s plans for Brazil,” the coming World Cup year makes continuity crucial, not just for Betis, but for the player’s international aspirations.

While Antony’s high salary remains a sticking point, Betis are hopeful the player “will have to do his part financially,” to make the move possible.

In a summer where realism and creativity must walk hand-in-hand, Betis appear ready to fight to keep their most dynamic talent.

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For Manchester United supporters, this report brings a mixture of intrigue and unease. On one hand, Antony’s revived form at Betis might finally hint at the player they thought they’d signed for over £80 million. On the other, it underscores the risk of selling too soon or too cheaply.

United’s absence from Europe is a harsh financial reality. Fans will understand the logic behind cashing in, especially if Antony’s value is peaking again. But selling just a percentage of his rights? That’s a model rarely favoured in the Premier League. Many fans might see it as an uncomfortable compromise.

There’s also the concern that, should Antony explode next season – particularly in a World Cup year – United could once again find themselves watching from the sidelines as one of their assets shines abroad.

“Old Trafford is looking to recoup part of the multi-million-pound investment,” MARCA states, but United fans want more than financial sense. They want footballing redemption.

A segment of supporters might see this as a missed opportunity. Others may argue that the dressing room needs resetting, and that even with Betis, Antony has shown his inconsistency.

Whatever the path, Manchester United must act decisively. The Glazers’ model has long been questioned, and this is yet another test of their footballing foresight.