The Brazilian winger has been linked with a return to the Premier League, but not to Manchester United.
Manchester United’s disappointing signing Antony has been linked with a surprise return to the Premier League after impressing on loan at Real Betis.
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It’s safe to say that Antonye’s £82 million transfer to United in August 2022 is among the club’s worst signings in recent times. With only 12 goals in 96 appearances for the Red Devils, he was sent on loan to Spanish club Real Betis in January by manager Ruben Amorim.
Resurrected in Spain
But at Betis, the 25-year-old Brazilian has taken a sensational showdown:
- 19 games
- 6 goals
- 4 assists
- Quickly become a crowd favorite
Arsenal and Atletico Madrid in line
According to Metro, Arsenal are now considering making an offer for Antony this summer, and are willing to compete with Betis who want to make the transfer permanent.
The price list seems to be:
- Minimum Requirement: £25 million
- Expected price: Between £34-42 million (according to Spanish journalist Marcos Benito)
This could price out Real Betis, and put Arsenal and Atletico Madrid in the driver’s seat – if they can agree with the player. Should Real Betis, who are two points away from the top five that this year is Champions League qualification, manage to qualify, it is clear they will have better financial muscle.
Antony prefers Betis
But the transition may be more difficult than expected:
- Antony has stated that his first choice is to stay permanently at Betis
- Describes the club as “a cult hero”
- “I found myself again here. I needed to be happy, and my family too,” he told DAZN
- Praises the city, the club and the Brazilian atmosphere
A second chance
After a turbulent period in Manchester, Antony now seems to have found his form again – and got several big clubs interested. While United are hoping to recoup some of their massive investment, they will likely have to accept a significant loss on the expensive signing.
For Antony, it’s now a matter of choosing between:
- A return to the Premier League with Arsenal
- Champions League football with Atletico Madrid
- Staying with his new “family” at Betis
A decision that could be decisive for the career of a player who finally seems to have found his well-being again.
