Brazilian winger Antony appeared set for a permanent move to Real Betis this summer after being loaned to the Spanish club during the winter transfer window earlier this year and helping the club reach the final of the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Brazilian forward Antony posted a cryptic post on social media after his transfer from Manchester United to Real Betis fell through earlier this week despite appearing a certainty at one point.
“Among family and friends, life always has a big surprise in store for us,” Antony was quoted by Daily Mirror as posting on Instagram Stories.
Antony had been loaned to Betis in January this year after failing to impress at Old Trafford since his arrival in 2022, and appeared a good fit in the Spanish club. The 25-year-old was part of the side that had reached the final of the UEFA Europa Conference League, where they lost to Chelsea.
How Antony’s move to Betis fell through
The right winger appeared set for a £21.6 million move to the Seville-based club with a further £2.6 million in payable add-ons. Betis, however, posted a statement on Friday confirming they weren’t going ahead with the transfer.
“There is no agreement and we have withdrawn the transfer offer because Real Betis can’t afford the transfer fee and the amounts that Manchester United must (instead) pay the player before the transfer,” read a statement from the club.
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United, however, consider the statement to be a bargaining chip and are still hopeful of making Antony’s stay at Betis permanent.
The winger, who had become the second-most expensive signing in Manchester United history after joining the side for £81.3 million from Eredivisie club Ajax, was part of a group of outcasts along with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia this summer.
United academy product Rashford has since joined LaLiga giants Barcelona on loan after a similar stint with Aston Villa earlier this year while Chelsea have paid £40 million to sign Argentine forward Alejandro Garnacho.
Antony, meanwhile, is in for an anxious 24 hours to find out whether he will find another home or remain sidelined at United until the winter transfer window.
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