Report: Antony's Real Betis return from Man Utd nears as talks heat up

The 25-year-old, who dazzled during a loan spell at Betis last season, is eager to return to the La Liga side, and negotiations are gaining momentum.

Antony made a significant impact at Betis in the second half of the 2024/25 campaign, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 26 appearances. His flair and dynamism helped the Andalusian club secure sixth place in La Liga and reach the Europa Conference League final, where they fell 4-1 to Chelsea. The Brazilian's performances won over fans, with social media campaigns like #VoltaAntony gaining traction and the club reserving the number seven shirt for his potential return.

Real Betis are pushing hard to re-sign Antony, with their CEO Ramon Alarcon expressing determination to seal the deal. "We're working on it," Alarcon told Estadio Deportivo. "We are working to the maximum every day, but there is very little time left until the summer market closes. The operation is very complicated, but we are still working. Let's see if we can get something positive."

The proposed deal centers on a loan worth six to seven million euros, with an obligation to buy for around 30 million euros if specific conditions are met. Betis have suggested spreading payments over three transfer windows to ease financial constraints under La Liga's strict salary cap. Manchester United, however, are holding firm, seeking stronger guarantees on the obligation to buy, as they aim to avoid a loss under Premier League sustainability rules after paying 95 million euros for Antony in 2022.

Antony, whose contract with United runs until 2027, has no future under manager Ruben Amorim. Excluded from first-team training alongside other outcasts like Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho, the winger is "desperate" to return to Betis, even rejecting lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia and interest from clubs like Olympiacos, Benfica, and Como. He has signaled willingness to take a 30 percent pay cut to facilitate the move, highlighting his emotional connection to Seville.

Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini, who coached Antony last season, has been vocal about his desire to reunite with the player. "We all know that he was very good here, we want him with us, and Antony wants to return, no doubt," Pellegrini said. "But we also need the owner, which is Manchester United, to make a decision."

Recent updates on X indicate ongoing optimism. On August 26, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano posted, "Real Betis maintain their confidence to get Antony deal done… Face-to-face talks took place on Monday and continue today, Betis offer initial loan and want to get it done asap… Antony wants the move." United, however, are prioritizing a permanent sale, with a reported asking price of around 45 million euros.

With the transfer deadline looming, both clubs are intensifying efforts to reach an agreement. Betis see Antony as a key asset for their 2025/26 Europa League campaign, given his proven European experience with Ajax and United. His versatility as a right-winger or central attacker aligns perfectly with Pellegrini's possession-based, quick-transition style.

The coming hours will be crucial. While Betis remain hopeful their latest proposal will break the deadlock, United's insistence on a permanent deal could complicate matters. If no agreement is reached, Antony risks staying sidelined at Old Trafford or facing a move to a less preferred destination.

For now, the saga continues, with fans eagerly awaiting a resolution.