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Where Antony ends up next season is still a mystery.
Real Betis, impressed by his standout loan spell last season, are keen to bring him back. But they have failed to convince Manchester United to strike a deal with them.
United’s £34 million asking price has proved too expensive for the Spanish club. In response, Betis are working on a creative way to seal the deal.
They are considering either a loan proposal or a split-ownership transfer, where they take a percentage of the player and United retain the rest, banking on future resale value.
Antony wants Betis switch, United stand firm
Antony has made his intentions clear: he wants to continue at the Villamarin.
The Brazilian’s stance has complicated things for United while giving Betis confidence over this deal. He has already turned down several offers, including one from Benfica, as he holds out for a return to the green and whites.
With the deadline fast approaching, Betis believe their best chance lies in a late swoop, waiting until United are backed into a corner, then forcing a deal on their terms.
INEOS respond with a ruthless ultimatum
United chiefs are keen to end the Antony transfer saga.
According to ABC, INEOS have grown frustrated with Betis’ tactics and the Brazilian winger’s refusal to engage with other clubs.
They report: “The English club is demanding that, this week, the winger accept one of the transfer offers on the table. If not, they are threatening to leave him in the stands until January.”
That ultimatum could kill Betis’ hopes entirely.
As ABC goes on to admit, “Betis want to continue holding out until the end of the market to get a loan with an option or obligation to buy for a percentage of the winger’s transfer.”
Most United fans would welcome the club’s hardline stance.
Antony was superb during his Betis stint, nine goals and five assists in 26 games, capped by performances that reignited his reputation.
A big move was expected, and ABC has hinted that the winger now has multiple offers on the table. A return to Heliopolis made sense, but their reluctance to meet United’s terms has left Antony in limbo.
The Baleba chase drives United’s urgency
United are racing to raise funds for a marquee midfield addition in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. The Seagulls, who are reluctant to sell, reportedly could let him go for £100 million plus.
It is bold calls like the Antony ultimatum that the 20-time English league champions should make to help land the Premier League midfield powerhouse.
Feature image Paul Ellis via Getty Images
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