Un-done deal: United stuck with unwanted forward after buyers dramatically pull out after agreeing transfer – BBC

Manchester United might not be rid of Antony just yet, as conflicting reports have emerged surrounding his departure.

The Peoples Person had relayed that INEOS had finally agreed on a deal with Real Betis, with the Brazilian given the green light to travel for his medical.

Simon Stone of The BBC has now claimed that the deal is off with Real Betis withdrawing their offer.  They do not have the means to pay an exorbitant transfer fee as well as the player’s wage demands.

“Real Betis sources saying the club has withdrawn its offer for Antony. Sources say Betis cannot afford a transfer fee, nor the amounts the player is supposed to receive,” he wrote on X.

Real Betis sources saying the club has withdrawn its offer for Antony. Sources say Betis cannot afford a transfer fee, nor the amounts the player is supposed to receive.

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) August 29, 2025

Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic had revealed details of the fee agreed between both parties. The Red Devils had initially agreed a €25 million fee with an additional €3 million in potential add-ons.

It must be remembered that the co-owners had always insisted on €40 million, which is why the deal also included a 50 per cent sell-on clause, which might have benefited the 20-time English league champions had the Brazil international continued his red-hot form from last season.

Fee details emerge

“Sources in both England and Spain have indicated to The Athletic that a fee has been agreed for a permanent deal. The fee is €25m (£21.6m), with an additional €3m in potential bonuses.

“The deal will also include a 50 per cent sell on clause for United, who hope they will benefit if he recovers his best form.”

Betis’ record transfer was €30 million for Denilson back in 98/99, which shows they are in no position to pay what INEOS were demanding.

Which explains why the deal might have collapsed. The other reason might be the wage issue. Antony still has two years left on his current deal, which sees him earn £6 million per year.

The La Liga side were always unlikely to be able to offer the player the same, and hence, Betis were hoping United paid the shortfall while the ex-Ajax star was also demanding a severance package.

INEOS were initially hoping all the parties could meet in the middle so that their contribution would be minimal and the deal would go through without a hitch.

Wage issue remains

“That is not the end of the story, however, because the player who has two years left on a £6 million (€6.93m) per year contract at Old Trafford will face a wage cut by going to Betis and is seeking for the clubs to find a way to ensure he secures the €4 million shortfall he will encounter.

“Betis, at this stage, insist they are not prepared to go higher, while United are also eager to minimize their contribution. Betis’ view is United must come to an arrangement with Antony for the deal to proceed and say they are exploring alternative options.

🚨🇧🇷 No medical, no travel imminent for Antony at this stage as Real Betis and Manchester United are still negotiating.

Details of permanent move, 50% sell-on clause, salary, exit conditions being discussed.

Betis on it with their best efforts but still waiting for green light. pic.twitter.com/mbrcoXTufF

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2025

“United, meanwhile, are hoping that Betis are adopting a bargaining position and that the two sides and the player can meet in the middle to allow the deal to proceed before the end of the transfer window.”

However, clearly, all parties could not come to a satisfactory conclusion and hence, the deal is now off.

ABC have even claimed that Antony has made it clear he wants a severance package which Betis will not contribute towards while United are unlikely to pay the whole amount.

Antony said to be owed more than €6m by #mufc (the difference in wages for remaining years of contract), Betis are unwilling to even contribute to that amount. Antony is unwilling to waive it [@abcdesevilla]

— utdreport (@utdreport) August 29, 2025

Interestingly, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that both clubs are still trying to sort out the mess before the deadline.

Deal far from done

“No medical, no travel imminent for Antony at this stage as Real Betis and Manchester United are still negotiating. Details of permanent move, 50% sell-on clause, salary, exit conditions being discussed.

“Betis on it with their best efforts but still waiting for green light,” Romano posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Initially, United had walked away from said proposal, but it shows how desperate they are to offload the bomb squad member that they were willing to accept such a complicated offer.

It will be interesting to see what ultimately happens, and if the deal can be resuscitated. Not too many teams are in the fray for Antony.

Feature image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images

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