One Red knows exactly where he wants to be playing his football come the new season. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Antony has rebuffed two offers to return to his native Brazil as he awaits his desired move to Real Betis.
Indeed, the Manchester United outcast has been longing to repay Manuel Pellegrini’s faith by signing for Betis on a long-term basis, following his stellar half-season loan spell from January to May this year.
Unfortunately for both him and the Spanish outfit, a deal looks highly unlikely to be agreed given United only want to sanction his exit on a permanent basis, with Betis eyeing another temporary agreement for the duration of 2025/2026.
Why Antony is uninterested in a move to Brazil this summer
Antony is so set on a return to the Villamarin Stadium that he reportedly rejected a lucrative proposal from Como a few weeks back, before now turning down the chance to ply his trade in the Brazilian top-flight; Antenados claims he was contacted by both Botafogo and Sao Paulo to gauge the feasibility of him leaving Europe for a surprise homecoming this summer, to which he declined the opportunity.
The 25-year-old spent 10 years working his way through the ranks with Sao Paulo before departing for Ajax in 2020. He plyed his trade in Amsterdam for only two years before United forked out a whopping £86 million to add him to Erik ten Hag’s ranks in September 2022.
How Antony fared for Betis last season
It goes without saying that his Red Devils tenure has left a lot to be desired, but Antony did enjoy a new lease of life in Spain last term, recording nine goals and five assists in 26 appearances across all competitions for Los Verdiblancos.
He played an integral role in Betis reaching the UEFA Conference League final and securing Europa League qualification via a sixth-placed La Liga finish, making it no surprise that United are standing firm in their demands.
