First Antony, then Grealish? SHOCK Man City transfer in the works

Willem Leijgraf

Updated: 25 Feb 2025 04:26 CST
3 min read

Antony, Pep Guardiola — © IMAGO/FootballTransfers

Antony has surprised friend and foe in the shirt of Real Betis, who are loaning him from Manchester United until the end of the season.

A permanent signing is likely not possible for the Spanish club due to financial reasons, but the presence of the 24-year-old attacker has given them ideas. According to a sensational report from Fichajes, Real Betis wants to strike a similar deal with Man City for Jack Grealish.

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At Man Utd, Antony is still considered the biggest transfer flop in the club's history, as he failed to live up to his purchase price of €95 million.

Already under Erik ten Hag, his prospects of playing time dwindled and after the Dutchman's dismissal and the appointment of Ruben Amorim, it was the end of the story and the Brazilian was loaned to Real Betis.

Betis surprised by Antony success

At Real Betis, Antony has completely recovered and has already scored three goals and provided two assists in his first six matches, although he did get sent off in his most recent outing and will miss a showpiece clash with Real Madrid.

The Spaniards are very pleased with the performances of the dribbler, who is unfortunately too expensive to sign permanently. According to Spanish media, Real Betis have reappraised their transfer strategy due to the early success of Antony and intend to focus more on loan deals.

In this context, Real Betis would like to test the waters with an approach to Man City this summer as they have set their sights on the temporary arrival of Grealish.

The Englishman is on the outside looking in under Pep Guardiola and will reportedly be allowed to leave the Cityzens in the upcoming window.

The salary is reportedly still a stumbling block for Real Betis and Grealish will likely not have a shortage of more high-profile suitors in the Premier League, so a move to Seville seems unrealistic.