Manchester United loanee Antony has made a promising start at Real Betis, and the Andalusian club is already considering keeping the Brazilian beyond this season. Club president Ramón Alarcón expressed his openness to the idea in an interview on Spanish radio.
Real Betis’ acquisition of Antony on loan from Manchester United has already proven to be a positive move for both the player and the club.
Despite initially being viewed as a short-term reinforcement, the Brazilian winger has quickly made a strong impression in Seville, and discussions about keeping him beyond the summer have already begun.
The agreement between Betis and United was structured as a simple loan deal until the end of the season, with no purchase option included. In principle, Antony is expected to return to Old Trafford in June, where his long-term future remains uncertain following a difficult spell with the English club. However, Betis is wasting no time in making their case to retain the winger beyond this campaign.
Club president Ramón Alarcón spoke about the situation in an interview, making it clear that Betis is serious about Antony’s development and integration into the team. "The director of United called me recently, and we sent them all the clips and statistics from his entire week so they can see that we are taking good care of their player," Alarcón revealed. His comments reflect Betis’ commitment to ensuring Antony’s loan spell is a success for all parties involved.
The Spanish side is not only invested in Antony’s immediate performances but is also considering the possibility of keeping him in Seville for a longer period. "We have a good relationship with Manchester United and with the player," Alarcón added. "It’s possible that he could stay next season as well why not?" His remarks suggest that if Antony continues to impress, Betis may explore negotiating an extended loan or a permanent transfer with United in the summer.
The early signs of Antony’s resurgence in Spain have been promising. So far, he has featured in two matches for Betis, already making a notable impact. His first goal for the club came in a crucial league match against Celta Vigo, where he opened the scoring with a stunning strike. The goal showcased his signature ability to cut inside from the right wing and unleash a precise, curling effort an aspect of his game that was a major highlight during his time at Ajax but had not been as frequently displayed at Manchester United.
Beyond just the statistics, Antony’s performances have reignited excitement around his potential. In his debut match, he was immediately named Man of the Match and received a standing ovation from the Betis fans when he was substituted. The warm reception signified not only an appreciation for his talent but also an acknowledgment of how seamlessly he has adapted to Betis’ playing style. The club’s supporters have quickly embraced him, and his energy on the field has provided a fresh spark to the team’s attacking setup.
Spanish media outlets have also been quick to recognize Antony’s early success at Betis. ABC de Sevilla, one of the region’s leading sports newspapers, praised his display against Celta Vigo, stating, "Against Celta, he was the author of the opening goal, a true golazo. It was a demonstration of the quality he has in his feet." The article went on to highlight his technical ability, quick footwork, and confidence attributes that had made him such an exciting prospect before his struggles at United.
While the initial signs are encouraging, Betis’ coaching staff and management are also aware that consistency will be key in determining Antony’s long-term value to the club. His adaptation to Spanish football has been smooth so far, but there is still a long way to go before any definitive decisions about his future are made. The remainder of the season will be crucial in assessing whether he can maintain his form and continue to contribute at a high level.
In addition to his domestic league performances, Antony is also set to make his mark in European competition with Betis. On Thursday, he could make his European debut for the club as they take on Gent in the Conference League knockout round play-off. The match will provide him with a new stage to prove himself, as European fixtures often bring a different level of intensity and tactical challenges compared to domestic league games.
For Betis, the upcoming clash against Gent is a significant test, as they aim to progress further in the tournament and establish themselves as serious contenders. Antony’s involvement could be key, as his dribbling skills and attacking flair have the potential to unsettle opponents and create crucial scoring opportunities. If he continues his strong start and delivers another impactful performance, it will only strengthen the club’s desire to explore ways to keep him beyond this season.
At the moment, Manchester United is closely monitoring Antony’s progress from afar. The club invested heavily in the Brazilian when they signed him from Ajax, and despite his struggles in England, they are still evaluating whether he could have a future at Old Trafford. If Betis decides to push for an extended loan or a permanent transfer, much will depend on United’s stance whether they see Antony as a player who can regain form and reintegrate into their squad or if they are willing to negotiate his departure.
For Antony himself, this spell at Betis represents a crucial turning point in his career. After a challenging period at Manchester United, he now has the opportunity to rebuild his confidence, enjoy regular playing time, and remind the footballing world of his abilities. If he continues on his current trajectory, his time in Seville could lead to a resurgence that shapes the next chapter of his professional journey.
With Betis firmly in his corner and discussions about his future already underway, the coming months will be decisive. For now, all eyes will be on Thursday’s Conference League showdown against Gent, where Antony will have another chance to showcase his talent on the European stage.
