
EPL Index
·8 September 2025
Real Betis Adjust Terms in Negotiations With Manchester United

In partnership with
Yahoo sportsEPL Index
·8 September 2025
Real Betis have finalised the permanent signing of Antony from Manchester United for an initial £19 million, but the finer details of the agreement mark a significant shift in the forward’s financial trajectory. Instead of the previously expected 50 per cent cut of any future transfer fee, United will now only receive half of the profit Betis generate should Antony be sold on.
The alteration represents a notable change in how clubs protect their investments. For United, it reduces the certainty of future revenue, while Betis secure greater flexibility in managing the Brazilian’s long-term value.
Photo IMAGO
The contract, which could climb to £22.5 million with add-ons, spreads Betis’ outlay over a five-year term. The Spanish side are understood to be paying approximately £3.9 million annually, a figure considered manageable for a club balancing ambition with sustainability.
Performance-based incentives also play a central role in the arrangement. Each season Betis qualify for the Champions League, or should they achieve European success, the yearly instalments rise by around £435,000. This structure not only rewards sporting achievement but ensures United remain linked financially to Betis’ potential growth.
For Manchester United, the shift from a straight 50 per cent sell-on fee to a profit-based model inevitably narrows the margin for guaranteed income. If Antony moves on for a similar sum to the £19 million Betis have paid, United would receive nothing further. Only if his value rises significantly will Old Trafford benefit.
Such adjustments highlight the delicate balance clubs face when negotiating sell-on clauses. United may view the initial deal as a way to move Antony off their books and reduce wage commitments, but in exchange they accept the risk of losing out on a sizeable future windfall.
For Antony, the transfer provides a platform to rebuild his career in Spain. At 24, the Brazilian has endured an uneven spell at Old Trafford, and the move offers a reset in a competitive but less pressured environment. Real Betis see his pace and creativity as assets capable of driving them forward domestically and in Europe.
The contract structure suggests both sides expect Antony to become a key figure. Should he thrive, Betis could find themselves rewarded not only on the pitch but in the market. If his form elevates his value, the profit-share clause would still ensure United gain some return — albeit less than under the original terms.