Manchester United are looking to move on quite a few players to steer clear of breaching any Profit and Sustainability rules while also raising capital for Ruben Amorim to reinvest into the squad.
And players who are out on loan are expected to be the first to depart, and that includes high-flying Antony, who has been on a roll for Real Betis since his temporary switch in January.
The Brazilian has eight goals and five assists, and his form has attracted numerous suitors all across Europe. For the moment, Atletico Madrid are the only side ready to secure his signature on a permanent basis.
Barcelona are eyeing a loan move while Juventus have no intention of agreeing to United’s demands of €50 million for the ex-Ajax ace.
Antony to be sold
Betis, who have reached the UEFA Conference League final thanks to the Brazil international, are eager to try and hold on to their talisman but are in no position to offer such an amount to the Red Devils.
They have proposed yet another loan arrangement, while INEOS are eager to get Antony off the wage list and they know now is the best time to try and recoup a large fee given his impressive form.
The only way the Seville-based club can hope to agree a permanent deal for the left-footed attacker is if they qualify for the Champions League next season.
As Football Espana have now claimed, Villarreal are eager to try and hijack Betis’ deal for the right winger but the only way they can do that is if they also qualify for Europe’s top continental competition.
“In addition, Betis’ rivals for the final Champions League spot this season Villarreal are also intent on opening discussions with United for Antony.
Betis vs Villarreal
“Many believe that if Betis are to have a shot at securing a deal for Antony, they will require Champions League money to do so. Villarreal would probably be in a similar situation.”
Currently, the Yellow Submarines are in fifth in the table, while Betis are sixth, with Athletic Club occupying the fourth position. The Basque side are three points ahead of Villarreal and six points ahead of Los Verdiblancos.
United will not care who ultimately signs the Brazilian ace as long as they can recoup a big fee. Surprisingly, Arsenal had emerged as shock suitors recently.
United had paid an astonish €95 million for the Brazilian on former boss Erik ten Hag’s orders and safe to say, that move turned out to be a disaster.
Feature image Fran Santiago via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
