The Brazilian winger, who spent last season on loan at Real Betis, has turned down an offer from Italian club Como.
Antony’s clear preference
Antony has turned down a move to Serie A club Como, as the Manchester United player gives “priority” to another club this summer. The 25-year-old, who was on a six-month loan at Real Betis from January, recorded nine goals and five assists under Manuel Pellegrini. This included an impressive road to the Conference League final against Chelsea.
Several clubs have shown interest, including Villarreal, Atlético Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen – the latter now managed by his former manager Erik ten Hag. But according to Fabrizio Romano, Antony prefers a transfer back to Real Betis.
“Como tried to sign Antony in recent days, but the Brazilian winger gives priority to Real Betis,” Romano writes. “Manchester United are also aware of his desire to continue at Betis, but there is not yet an agreement between the clubs.”
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Emotional Farewell to Betis
The news comes as no surprise, as Antony developed a strong bond with both the club and the supporters. After losing the Conference League final 4-1 to Chelsea, he shared a heartfelt farewell letter on Instagram:
“Today is the day to give thanks for one of the most beautiful chapters of my life, and as I write this page of my story, I must share why you have been—and always will be—so special to me. From the time I was a child, football wasn’t just a dream, it was my only chance to change my life.”
He continued,
“Life took me a long way—from the favela to the world. I left Brazil, played in the Netherlands, played in England, and went from being a boy to becoming a father. A lot has changed, but football has always been there, my safe haven. To one day everything collapsed. From heaven to hell. The ball stopped going in, the joy went away, my world darkened, and I started to doubt myself, my talent, and my passion for the game.”
“Then football gave me one last gift: Real Betis. When I came here, I didn’t know what to expect, but even in my wildest dreams I couldn’t imagine what I found. From the first step into this club, I felt something different. It was like coming home, like finding a part of myself I thought I had lost. With you, I smiled again. With you, I found my way back to the boy who loved football with all his heart. With you, football became love again. Thanks, Real Betis.”
Willing to pay reduction for permanent transition
According to the Manchester Evening News, Antony is willing to take a 30% pay cut to leave United permanently. The club must earn at least £32.58 million to avoid an accounting loss according to the Premier League’s financial regulations.
Currently, Antony earns around £150,000 a week at Manchester United, but his heart seems to be in Sevilla. Now it remains to be seen if the clubs can agree on a transfer fee.
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