Since joining Real Betis on loan in January, Manchester United winger Antony has shown glimpses of the talent that once made him one of Europe’s most sought-after prospects. The Brazilian, who struggled to justify his £80 million price tag at Old Trafford, has made an immediate impact in La Liga, earning plaudits for his performances and sparking speculation about a permanent move to Spain. While his future remains uncertain, Betis CEO Ramon Alarcon has hinted that the club could explore the possibility of retaining Antony beyond the end of the season.
A Fresh Start in Spain
Antony’s loan move to Real Betis came after a disappointing 18 months at Manchester United. Signed by Erik ten Hag in the summer of 2022, the Brazilian was expected to bring flair, creativity, and goals to United’s attack. However, his time in England was marked by inconsistency, with just 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances. His struggles to adapt to the physicality and pace of the Premier League saw him fall out of favour under Ruben Amorim, who replaced Ten Hag in late 2023.
Since arriving in Seville, Antony has wasted no time in making an impression. He was named Player of the Match on his debut against Athletic Bilbao, showcasing his dribbling skills and work rate. He followed that up with a goal in Betis’ 3-2 defeat to Celta Vigo—his first strike since September 2023, when he scored in United’s 7-0 Carabao Cup victory over Barnsley. While it’s early days, Antony’s performances have reignited hopes that he can rediscover the form that made him a star at Ajax.
Betis Open to Permanent Deal
Speaking to Cadena Ser’s Radio Sevilla, Betis CEO Ramon Alarcon revealed that the club is open to the idea of signing Antony permanently. “I think so,” Alarcon said when asked about the possibility of a long-term deal. “The other day the CEO of United called me. We sent them all the moves and details of the player throughout the week so that they can see that we are looking after their asset. There is very good chemistry with Manchester [United] and with the player. It is a possibility that he will continue next season, why not?”
While the current loan deal does not include an option to buy, Alarcon’s comments suggest that Betis are keen to explore a permanent transfer. For United, the priority will be to recoup as much of their initial investment as possible, and Antony’s performances in Spain could help drive up his market value.
Antony’s Struggles at United
Antony’s time at Old Trafford was a far cry from the success he enjoyed at Ajax, where he played a key role in Ten Hag’s Eredivisie-winning side. Despite his high-profile arrival, the Brazilian struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, often looking out of his depth against physical and tactically astute opponents. His lack of end product and tendency to drift out of games saw him fall down the pecking order under Amorim, who gave him opportunities as a number 10 and wing-back but ultimately deemed him surplus to requirements.
With United’s attack in a state of flux—Marcus Rashford is on loan at Aston Villa, while Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled for form—Antony’s departure in January was seen as a necessary step in the club’s rebuilding process. However, his resurgence at Betis has raised questions about whether United gave up on him too soon.
The Road Ahead for Antony
As things stand, Antony is set to return to United at the end of the season, but his future at Old Trafford looks bleak. Amorim’s plans for a squad overhaul are well underway, and it’s difficult to see a scenario where the Brazilian winger forces his way back into the manager’s plans. Instead, Antony’s most valuable contribution to United could be to continue performing well in Spain, boosting his market value and helping the club secure funds for new signings.
For Betis, Antony represents an exciting prospect who could add creativity and flair to their attack. While his £80 million price tag is likely out of reach, a deal in the region of £30-40 million could be feasible if the winger maintains his current form. Such a move would allow United to cut their losses and reinvest in players who better fit Amorim’s vision.
A Lesson in Transfer Strategy
Antony’s struggles at United serve as a cautionary tale about the risks of overspending on unproven talent. While his potential was evident during his time at Ajax, the step up to the Premier League proved too great, and the pressure of his price tag only added to the burden. As United look to rebuild under Amorim, the focus will be on identifying players who can adapt quickly to the demands of English football and deliver consistent performances.
For now, Antony’s immediate future lies in Spain, where he has the opportunity to rebuild his career and prove his doubters wrong. Whether he stays at Betis or moves elsewhere, his time at United will be remembered as a costly misstep—but one that offers valuable lessons for the club’s future transfer strategy. As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Antony as he looks to secure his next move and reignite his career.
