Real Betis Suddenly Withdraw Offer For Man Utd’s Antony

Confusion surrounds Antony’s proposed move from Manchester United to Real Betis. The Spanish club claim they have withdrawn their offer, even as United sources insist it had already been accepted. The Brazilian winger had looked the likeliest player to leave Old Trafford this summer, especially after finding some solace on loan in La Liga last term, but now just days remain in the transfer window.

Antony joined United in 2022 for a staggering £86 million from Ajax, but despite the fanfare, he never quite adapted to English football. Across 96 appearances, the 25-year-old produced only 12 goals and five assists – an underwhelming return for such an expensive signing. His struggles continued under new manager Ruben Amorim, and while doubts over his United future had lingered for some time, the loan move to Betis appeared to settle the matter.

In Seville, Antony impressed with direct involvement in seven goals across 17 La Liga appearances, seemingly doing enough to earn a permanent deal. Yet, after weeks – if not months – of stalled negotiations between the clubs, the transfer has collapsed in recent days.

Antony’s Real Betis Transfer Collapses

Antony was among five players exiled by United head coach Amorim at the start of pre-season, forced to train at Carrington on a separate schedule from the main squad. While Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho quickly secured moves away, United’s hierarchy have found it far harder to shift Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia, and Antony.

Though there were links to other clubs – including interest from the Saudi Pro League – Antony made it clear his preference was a return to Betis. Talks have been ongoing for days in an effort to resolve the deadlock. By Friday evening, multiple United sources were saying a bid had been accepted and the terms of a permanent transfer agreed, with the Brazilian winger set to travel to Spain for his medical, according to the BBC.

However, Betis sources disputed this version of events before the Spanish club issued a formal statement (see below): “Betis has retired its offer. Betis cannot afford a transfer fee, nor the amounts the player is supposed to receive.” Unverified reports suggest one of the sticking points concerns a payment to Antony linked to his outstanding wages on a United contract that runs until 2027.

It remains unclear whether further talks will be held to resolve the impasse, or if Betis might return with a new offer. The clock is ticking: the English transfer window closes at 19:00 BST on Monday, while in Spain it remains open until 22:59 BST the same day.