According to ABC, a regional newspaper in the Seville area, Real Betis is in talks with Manchester United over an extended loan spell for Antony. The Andalusian club is reportedly willing to cover a larger portion of the Brazilian's salary costs.
Antony’s move to Real Betis in January marked a fresh start for the Brazilian winger after a difficult spell at Manchester United, where he struggled for form and consistency.
The 25-year-old had been one of Erik ten Hag’s marquee signings at Old Trafford, following their successful time together at Ajax, but his performances failed to live up to expectations. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, Antony faced criticism for his end product, decision-making, and overall impact in the Premier League. The winger’s time at United was further complicated by off-field issues, including allegations in his personal life, which affected his playing time. With opportunities becoming scarce and the club looking to restructure its attacking options, a temporary switch to La Liga was seen as a logical step for all parties involved.
Upon his arrival in Seville, Antony quickly adapted to life at Real Betis and rediscovered his form. Playing in a more structured yet fluid attacking system under head coach Manuel Pellegrini, he has contributed four goals and four assists in just eleven matches. His ability to take on defenders, create space, and deliver precise passes has reinvigorated Betis' attack, making him one of the team’s key players in their push for European qualification. Compared to his time at Manchester United, where he scored just twelve goals and provided five assists in nearly 100 official appearances (96), his resurgence in Spain highlights a significant improvement in confidence and productivity.
Antony’s strong performances have coincided with Real Betis’ fight for a European spot, with the club currently in sixth place in La Liga. The Andalusians remain contenders for the UEFA Conference League title and are now exploring the possibility of keeping the Brazilian winger for a longer period. According to reports from ABC, Betis is working on a plan to extend Antony’s stay beyond the current season. However, this ambition is tied to their ability to qualify for next season’s Champions League, a goal that could provide the financial boost necessary to afford his wages.
Real Betis is currently covering 84 percent of Antony’s salary costs, with the Brazilian reportedly earning €230,000 per week at Manchester United. This means that the Spanish club is paying approximately €190,000 per week for his services. While Betis is open to increasing their contribution, their ability to do so largely depends on securing Champions League football next season. The financial incentives of playing in Europe’s premier club competition would allow the club to make Antony’s loan deal more sustainable and potentially even negotiate a permanent transfer.
At present, Betis sits in sixth place in La Liga, trailing fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao by eight points. The top four teams in Spain automatically qualify for the Champions League, but the fifth-placed team is also on the verge of securing a spot. This is due to UEFA’s new system, which grants an extra Champions League berth to the two leagues with the highest coefficient scores in European competitions. Currently, those leagues are the Premier League and La Liga, meaning Spain could receive an additional qualification slot. As a result, finishing in fifth place would almost certainly guarantee Champions League football for Real Betis.
The club is currently level on points with Villarreal, who hold the fifth spot with 44 points, but Villarreal has a game in hand. The fight for Champions League qualification remains intense, with several teams battling for the remaining European slots. If Betis can maintain their momentum and capitalize on their upcoming fixtures, they have a strong chance of securing their place in next season’s competition, which would significantly strengthen their financial position and their ability to retain Antony.
Beyond his contributions on the pitch, Antony’s presence has brought renewed energy to the squad and helped raise the overall quality of Betis' attacking play. His experience in European competitions with Ajax and Manchester United has added valuable depth to the team, and his relationship with teammates has also improved. Reports from Spain suggest that he has settled well into the dressing room and enjoys working under Pellegrini, who has given him the confidence to express himself on the field.
From a Manchester United perspective, Antony’s performances at Betis have drawn mixed reactions. While some believe that his resurgence in Spain could reignite his United career and give him another chance under Ten Hag or a future manager, others see this loan as an opportunity for the club to offload him permanently. United spent around €95 million to sign Antony from Ajax in 2022, making him one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history. However, his struggles in England have raised questions about whether he will ever fully justify that price tag.
If Betis qualifies for the Champions League and secures the necessary funds, a longer-term deal for Antony could be on the table. Whether that means an extended loan or a permanent transfer remains to be seen, but the player's performances in Spain have undoubtedly reignited interest in his potential. With the final months of the season approaching, both Real Betis and Antony have a lot at stake, and their Champions League ambitions could determine the next steps in this evolving transfer saga.
