Real Betis sign an extension that underlines their ambitious plans, while continuing their efforts to keep Manchester United winger Antony beyond this season.
The Spanish La Liga club have had an impressive spring after a successful January window, where they brought in Cucho Hernández and loaned Antony from Manchester United.
Real Betis are by no means a small club, although they often find themselves behind city rival Sevilla. – Their stadium Estadio Benito Villamarín, which houses 60,000 spectators, has been packed all season. The new stated ambition of the club is to “always be top four in La Liga”.
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Both have been a huge success, especially Antony’s resurrection has caused a stir after his weak spell at Old Trafford. The right winger is one of many who have blossomed after leaving Old Trafford.
Real Betis are currently among Europe’s most “in-form” teams – they beat Real Madrid last month, held Barcelona to a draw at the weekend, and comfortably won their Europa League quarter-final against Jagiellona on Thursday.
Although Antony’s productivity has slowed down after a strong start, he remains a very important player for the Sevilla-based club, who are determined to keep him.
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Real Betis secures deal: Antony agreement “close”
Real Betis have a good chance of securing European games in La Liga, and could even qualify for the Champions League if they win the Europa League. (But then they have to get past Bodø/Glimt at some point)
This will significantly increase their earnings and increase the chances of retaining Antony. But even if they don’t reach this goal, Betis are poised for a big summer to show their ambitions and ensure that this success doesn’t become a one-off event.
In this regard, they have quickly tied one of their greatest talents to a new long-term deal. Real Betis reports that Manchester City target Sergi Altimira has extended his contract until 2029 with an expiry clause of €60 million, but only in a year.
Incidentally, 60 million euros is what the Sky Blues are willing to pay for a transfer in the summer for the Spanish midfielder.
And the signs that Antony is staying look promising – according to the local newspaper Estadio Deportivo. Indeed, they claim that a deal to keep the Brazilian (probably on new loan) is already “very close”.
Manchester United bought Antony from Ajax in the summer of 2022 right after it became clear Erik Ten Hag would take over as manager for €95 million.
“It’s crystal clear”
“It’s absolutely clear,” says Vice President José Miguel López Catalán according to the newspaper. “The relationship is very good between all three parties, and we are doing everything we can. Now we have to finish the season, see where we end up and if we get the Champions League or not.”
“Then we will negotiate. It was much more difficult to sign him in January than it is to keep him for another year. It depends on a lot of things, but we have opportunities – and we are very aware of that.”
