Real Betis announce intention to sign Man Utd flop Antony permanently

Tom Weber

Updated: 29 Mar 2025 09:35 CDT
3 min read

Real Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo has revealed that he wants to sign Manchester United winger Antony permanently.

The Brazilian has been a man reborn in Seville. Antony joined Real Betis on loan in January after failing to leave a lasting impression at Man Utd following his €95 million move from Ajax in 2022.

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STATS

Antony

M, AM (R)

Real Betis

Antony

M, AM (R)

Real Betis

11

Games
4

Goals
4

Assists

The 24-year-old has gone down as one of the biggest flop signings in Premier League history, and it became increasingly clear that he would not have a future at Old Trafford as 2024 drew to a close.

Real Betis, who already made a loan enquiry on summer Deadline Day last year, jumped at the chance to bring Antony in, even agreeing to make significant financial sacrifices.

The Seville-based club have had to pinch pennies in since the COVID-19 pandemic, but they made a major investment in January, with Antony among the big-name players brought in. Betis reportedly agreed to shoulder as much as 84 per cent of his hefty salary.

Betis to sign Antony permanently?

The winger has certainly repaid the faith put in him by the LaLiga side. Antony has been very impressive for Betis, notching four goals and four assists in 11 appearances so far.

Recently, the club's CEO claimed that Antony had informed him of his intention to stay beyond this season and the feeling is certainly mutual, according to sporting director Manu Fajardo.

Speaking to MARCA, Fajardo elucidated Real Betis' transfer model of signing 'devalued' players and outlined the plan to keep Antony but conceded that European qualification would likely be necessary to achieve this.

"In Betis' sporting department, we work on 'devalued' players, analysing data from players who have reached very high moments and peaks, but who for various reasons have significantly decreased their performance," he said.

"We are concerned about their situation and speak with major clubs. In his [Antony's] case, we were able to anticipate and convince the player and his entourage. Today, Antony is performing immediately from minute one in the squad.

"We haven't lost our enthusiasm. We can't rule out anything in football, and hopefully Real Betis will remain in the top European positions to benefit from his continuity and the arrival of other great players."