Antony is rejoining Real Betis, with the Brazilian winger finally getting his one summer wish: a return to the Villamarín Stadium to pick up where he left off last season.
After a “difficult” spell at Manchester United following his 2022 arrival, Antony was handed a fresh opportunity to prove himself elsewhere in the winter of 2025.
Betis took a chance on him with a loan deal, and they were fortunate to do so.
In 26 appearances, Antony delivered a string of quality performances, registering nine goals and five assists.
His impact was undeniable, helping them reach the Europa Conference League final, the Heliopolitanos’ first-ever European final, and secure a sixth-place finish in La Liga, earning Europa League qualification.
Antony’s exploits in Spain suggested the issue was not the player, but perhaps his fit in English football.
As his loan stint concluded, United decided the time was right to sell, giving him the chance to reignite his career away from Old Trafford.
Betis the only destination Antony wanted
Impressed by his revival, several top European clubs began enquiring about Antony’s availability. United were open to offers, but found themselves in a tricky situation: the winger only wanted to return to Betis.
INEOS were willing to sanction the move, but Betis insisted they couldn’t afford the £35 million permanent deal United demanded.
Instead, Betis proposed another loan deal, or a shared ownership model with a significant sell-on clause. United rejected both, remaining firm that any exit must be permanent and at the right price.
As talks stalled, Betis’ links cooled. United hoped another club would swoop in and outbid the Spaniards, but Antony kept rejecting advances, holding out for his dream return to Spain.
Frustrated United reportedly threatened to sideline him until January unless he accepted one of the alternative moves on the table. Still, Antony stood firm.
Breakthrough as deadline day looms
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Betis finally gave in. According to a report relayed by The Peoples Person, they agreed to a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
The Sun has since revealed the financial details of this deal, they claim:
“The Conference League finalists are set to pay £3million to take Antony back to LaLiga.
“However, the former Ajax star won’t be returning to Old Trafford in 2026.
“That’s because Betis are expected to buy him for £33m.”
INEOS’s tough stance over Antony’s exit has paid off; they are getting what they wanted and avoiding a negative PSR hit. A deal less than £32.5 million for the former Ajax man would have seen United incur a PSR loss.
A new chapter for Antony
Though Antony never truly hit the heights at Old Trafford, his resurgence in Spain offers hope. If he continues to thrive at Betis, he may yet rewrite his European story.
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.
