Antony is expected to leave Manchester United, and a return to Real Betis, where he spent the second half of last season on loan, would suit him perfectly.
The winger is thought to share that view, and it is clear the La Liga side are keen to bring him back.
However, the transfer has proved tricky, with Betis and United struggling to agree on transfer terms.
INEOS are open to letting the Samba star leave and would willingly ship him to the Villamarín Stadium provided Betis commit to a €40 million (£34 million) permanent deal.
The Spanish club have repeatedly insisted they cannot afford that fee.
Instead, they have proposed another loan, or a shared ownership model with United retaining a significant future sell-on clause.
While La Dea remains adamant that those are the best terms they can offer this summer, United have stood firm.
Despite his desire to return to Heliopolis, though it feels increasingly hopeless, the 25-year-old continues to hold out for a Betis switch.
He has already turned down moves to other top European clubs, like Benfica, in pursuit of his wish.
There were claims United were pressuring him to accept one of several offers from interested clubs or risk being sidelined until the winter transfer window, but nothing has come of those threats.
Promising Betis’ approach to seal the deal
Fortunately for Antony, who would not want to spend six months on the sidelines in a FIFA World Cup year, Betis are now, according to Sky Sports‘ Dharmesh Sheth, “working on finance options” to get the deal done.
Sheth reports:
“Real Betis are working on various finance options to try and get a deal done for Manchester United forward Antony.
“Those options include basing the deal heavily on incentive-based payments.
“Ideally, United want a permanent deal. But with only 12 days left in the window — and the player’s desire to return to Betis — another loan cannot be ruled out.
“Antony wore the No. 7 shirt in his loan spell last season, and it remains available.”
United would welcome Betis’ renewed intent to get the deal over the line.
They will be hoping the Green and Whites will finally submit a serious offer, allowing them to avoid another loan arrangement, which they may have to consider as the transfer deadline fast approaches with at least 11 days to go.
Pellegrini sends Antony transfer message
In his latest press conference, Betis head coach Manuel Pellegrini reiterated the club’s desire to re-sign the winger, who made a lasting impression last season.
In 26 appearances, Antony registered 14 goal contributions, underlining his quality with performances that echoed his eye-catching spell at Ajax.
Antony sold Betis fans dreams, and the club will be under pressure not to disappoint them by missing out on this potential game-changing transfer.
As for United, they will be hoping a reasonable offer lands soon, allowing them to sanction the exit gracefully.
Featured image Fran Santiago via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
