Amorim responds as Antony moves closer to Man Utd exit

Tom Weber

Updated: 17 Jan 2025 09:15 CST
3 min read

Real Betis are still actively working on a deal for Manchester United winger Antony, according to a report.

The Brazilian's time at Old Trafford appears to be drawing to a close. Signed for an inflated €95 million in 2022, Antony has never come close to justifying his price.

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This season, the 24-year-old has rarely been on the pitch, with even his biggest backer, Erik ten Hag, seemingly giving up on him towards the end of his reign.

Under new head coach Ruben Amorim, Antony has primarily been a substitute. On Thursday, he was given 45 minutes against Southampton and 'did well,' according to the 39-year-old.

Indeed, when quizzed on his future after the game, Amorim said: “I want to keep my players." But he acknowledged that "I don’t know what is going to happen in this window."

Real Betis push for Antony

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, LaLiga side Real Betis are still 'actively exploring' a move for Antony. The Seville club have been his most persistent suitors since the summer when they made a loan approach on Deadline Day.

In recent weeks, links with Antony have continued and Jacobs has now confirmed that the interest is genuine and that a transfer is being actively considered. That said, it remains an eminently difficult deal for a side that has had some financial difficulties in recent times.

As Jacobs points out, in the event of a loan, Man Utd would have to shoulder a hefty chunk of Antony's sizeable wage and it is as yet unclear whether they are willing to do this.

Talks will surely continue until the end of the window, with Betis in need of attacking reinforcements after selling highly-rated young attacker Assane Diao to Cesc Fabregas' Como.