Antony’s Revival At Real Betis: Manchester United Hold All The Cards Ahead Of Crucial Summer Deal
Manchester United’s transfer strategy faces a pivotal test this summer, as the club seeks to restructure its squad and raise funds through high-profile departures. At the centre of attention is Antony, the €100m Brazilian winger, whose loan spell at Real Betis has reignited both his career and his transfer value, setting off a chain reaction of negotiations and speculation across Europe.
Over the past two windows, Manchester United—now under the stewardship of Ineos—have used creative loans to offload unwanted players, hoping for either improved form and resale value or a permanent exit. Jadon Sancho’s move to Dortmund has failed to sparkle, but Marcus Rashford’s resurgence at Aston Villa and, significantly, Antony’s transformation at Betis have bolstered United’s negotiating hand.
Since joining Real Betis in January, Antony has become a revelation, bagging four goals and four assists in 14 matches and helping the La Liga club boast an unbeaten nine-game run, including eye-catching results against Real Madrid and Barcelona. His visible happiness and stated desire to stay have only fuelled Betis’ interest. The club's vice president, Jose Miguel Lopez Catalan, recently admitted, “Relations are very good with all three parties, and we’re doing everything in our power.”
“It was much more difficult to bring him in in January than for him to stay for another year now,” Catalan added in an interview with Estadio Deportivo, underlining the club’s intent to either extend the loan or push for a permanent deal. The looming question for Betis fans is whether Champions League qualification will tip the financial balance, with Catalan confirming, “We’re going to finish the season, see how we finish and whether we’re in the Champions League or not. Then, we’ll sit down and negotiate.”
For United, this is the perfect scenario. Not only is Antony’s value on the rise, but reported interest from Atletico Madrid could spark a bidding war, further strengthening the Red Devils’ negotiating position. Spanish outlets suggest Atletico are willing to meet United’s valuation—potentially upwards of £38.4m plus add-ons—as Diego Simeone seeks more attacking depth. Rumours of a sensational swap with former Manchester City star Julian Alvarez—even if speculative—demonstrate just how high Antony’s stock has risen in continental football after a tricky spell at Old Trafford.
This coincides with a broader clear-out at United, where the likes of Rashford, Sancho, and even Casemiro are all facing possible exits. Manager Ruben Amorim, expected to work with a leaner budget than Premier League rivals, is depending on successful sales like Antony’s to finance arrivals. The Brazilian’s prospective departure would also pave the way for fresh faces—Matheus Cunha and Victor Osimhen among the names heavily linked as transformative new attackers for United’s evolving system.
Antony’s revival in Spain stands as a testament to both his personal perseverance and United’s canny newfound approach in the market. The coming weeks will determine whether Betis can land their hero, or other suitors muscle in with a bigger bid. All eyes are now on Manchester, Seville, and Madrid as negotiations approach crunch time.
Will United cash in, hold out for a bidding war, or craft a swap deal to outfox their rivals? As the transfer window looms, the story of Antony’s redemption may yet define the club’s summer. Share your thoughts—should United push for the highest fee, or secure a creative player-for-player deal? Leave a comment below and join the debate.
