Report: Man Utd Face Contract Dilemma Over Antony’s Future | OneFootball

Antony’s Man Utd Future: A Contract Gamble or a Necessary Exit?

Manchester United’s handling of Antony’s situation is heading into risky territory. The Brazilian winger, currently on loan at Real Betis, has found form in Spain, but reports suggest United may have to extend his contract before securing another loan move. As ABC Sevilla reports, Betis are keen on retaining Antony but lack the funds for a permanent deal, pushing United into an uncomfortable position.

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Antony’s Resurgence in LaLiga

Antony’s struggles at Old Trafford are well-documented. Signed for an eye-watering £82 million from Ajax, his return of 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances has been underwhelming. However, since joining Real Betis in January, the winger has registered four goals and four assists in just 11 matches, prompting interest in prolonging his stay in Spain.

Real Betis CEO Ramon Alarcon has already declared the club’s intent to re-sign Antony, but a permanent deal appears financially unfeasible. Instead, Betis are set to propose a second loan, a move that could force United into an uncomfortable contract extension decision.

The Contract Extension Dilemma

ABC Sevilla states that United would ideally sell Antony outright, but should offers fail to materialise, they might have to extend his contract before loaning him out again. With Antony’s current deal running until 2027, a season-long loan in 2025/26 would leave him with only one year remaining on his contract when he returns. United would then be at a disadvantage in future negotiations.

By extending his contract before sanctioning a loan, United could protect their investment. A club option already exists to extend his deal into the 2027/28 season, but whether United will exercise this remains unclear.

Real Betis’ Financial Hurdles

A permanent move for Antony seems unlikely unless Betis secure European football, which would boost their spending power. Currently, they cover only 16% (£32,000) of his £200,000-a-week wages. The club’s willingness to take on a greater portion of his salary depends on their qualification status at the end of the season.

Regardless, United’s problem is clear: they need to offload a high-earner who hasn’t met expectations, but their best available option may be another temporary move that doesn’t guarantee financial relief or long-term clarity.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United fan’s perspective, the Antony situation is a frustrating case of poor financial management. It’s another example of the club failing to cut their losses when a signing doesn’t work out. Antony’s brief resurgence at Real Betis should have been an opportunity to secure a permanent sale, even at a reduced fee.

The idea of extending his contract just to enable a second loan feels like delaying the inevitable. If United cannot offload him permanently, keeping him at the club and using him as a squad player might be preferable to stretching out a costly mistake. Furthermore, if Betis cannot afford him outright, it’s unlikely his value will rise significantly in another loan spell.

Ultimately, United need a long-term strategy for players who don’t fit the squad’s needs. Antony’s future remains uncertain, but prolonging his contract without a guaranteed transfer outcome could backfire, adding another costly name to United’s list of transfer missteps.