“To be able to…”: club chief discusses move for £42m United forward ready to make a big sacrifice for transfer

Antony to Real Betis could hit top gear soon as an intriguing transfer update from Spain emerges.

During his loan spell at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, the winger delivered a string of fine performances, recording nine goals and five assists in 26 appearances, a clear indication of his quality.

There is no question about his talent, but he is still widely expected to leave Old Trafford this summer.

While the 25-year-old appeared to have rediscovered his brilliance in La Liga, his inconsistency at Old Trafford before going out on loan raised doubts about his ability to thrive at United were he to return.

Those doubts are likely why INEOS are leaning toward cashing in on him.

Antony open to permanent switch

Antony is open to leaving the Theatre of Dreams, with claims suggesting he is prepared to take a pay cut to join Betis permanently.

Recent reports suggest that the La Liga side have been working to persuade INEOS to sanction the sale of the former Ajax forward at a discounted fee while sweetening the deal by including a hefty sell-on clause.

While United fans have been waiting to see if such an offer would come through, Betis have now offered a hint that it could be forthcoming.

Sporting director provides insight into Betis’ Antony’s pursuit

Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo has admitted that the pursuit of Antony is far from straightforward.

Fajardo notes that with the United loanee yet to commit to any other suitor, they have high hopes in this transfer.

While it has been highlighted that they cannot afford the £42 million deal, he moved to assure supporters (and perhaps also Antony) that Betis will find a way to finalise the transfer.

“We all have to be aware that this is a very complex operation,” Fajardo said via Metro.

“Given the player’s level and his recent career at Real Betis, it’s not an easy transaction.

“But, as long as Antony hasn’t committed to a third party, we, with the utmost humility, will play our cards to be able to opt for Antony.

“I insist, despite this being a complex operation, we will try to carry it out in different ways without compromising the club. In the end, the most important thing is also the sustainability of the club.

“We will try to be creative, as we have been in the past so that Antony can be here. Today, the market is open—it’s very dynamic—and we are part of that game.”

Outgoing transfers should boost Betis’ bid

While a modest transfer fee combined with a significant sell-on clause may appeal to United, it is fair to ask whether Betis truly need to rely on that strategy.

Based on their latest transfer activity, they may be in a better position to submit a decent offer.

The sale of Johnny Cardoso to Atlético Madrid for €30 million (£25.5 million) and Jesús Rodríguez’s move to Como for €25 million (£21.3 million) have significantly boosted their coffers.

With Antony raising their game and agreeing to a 30 per cent wage cut to make a move happen, it seems unlikely that Betis will let this opportunity slip.

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social