Manchester United have reportedly made a major transfer U-turn and are now open to letting Antony leave on loan next season.
Antony has enjoyed a dramatic change in fortunes since leaving United and joining Real Betis during the winter window. After a miserable two-and-a-half years at Old Trafford, the winger is now back to his best form and is enjoying football once again.
In the 20 appearances he has made for Betis, Antony has notched an impressive seven goals and four assists. This tally includes a brilliant stoppage-time screamer last Sunday, to complete Betis’ comeback over Espanyol.
Unsurprisingly, Betis are keen on retaining the Brazilian’s services beyond the end of the season, when his loan deal expires. A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Manuel Pellegrini’s side want to sign Antony permanently. However, there have also been suggestions that they could try to convince United to sanction another season-long loan transfer.
More recently, it was pointed out that the Red Devils’ priority is to permanently offload Antony. United are not too keen on another loan arrangement.
Now, according to MARCA, United have had a change of heart and are open to a loan move for Antony if suitable permanent offers fail to arrive.
United are adamant they will not be forced to sell Antony for cheap and would rather send him out on loan again, in the hope that he will increase his value.
MARCA explain, “They [United] know they could receive significant offers for the player, but they are clear that if the price doesn’t suit them (they still have a good part of his amortization to complete), they will opt for a new loan with the aim of allowing the player to continue developing during the World Cup season.”
As the Spanish outlet points out, United’s shift in stance is partly driven by the fact that they are still making payments to Ajax for Antony’s January 2022 transfer, meaning any funds generated from a sale this summer would be significantly offset by those remaining obligations.
Meanwhile, ABC Sevilla [via SportWitness] say that Antony’s desire is to continue with Los Verdiblancos.
Other clubs mentioned to be eyeing Antony are Atletico Madrid, Juventus and even Arsenal. But, Betis are the party pushing the hardest to win the race for his signature.
Such is their commitment to the transfer that they are said to be financing both his housing and his agent’s travel arrangements.
Featured image Octavio Passos via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
