Manchester United finally agree deal for flop to leave on loan

Real Betis have agreed a deal in principle with Manchester United to sign Antony on a season-long loan, according to reports.

Antony enjoyed a return to form with Betis in the second half of the 2024/25 campaign and talks have been in place for the winger’s temporary move to be renewed beyond the summer.

The 25-year-old racked up nine goals and five assists in 26 games for the La Liga outfit last term and played a key role as Manuel Pellegrini’s side made it all the way to the final of the Europa Conference League, where they were ultimately beaten by Chelsea.

But despite his resurgence in Spanish football, United’s hierarchy have made it clear that there is little chance of Antony resurrecting his Old Trafford career while Ruben Amorim is still in charge of the club.

The Brazil international is considered by some to be one of the worst signings in United’s history having managed a total of just five Premier League goals since his high-profile £82million move from Ajax in 2022.

In recent weeks, there has been strong interest from Fenerbahce, Bayer Leverkusen and the Saudi Pro League, but Antony has been holding out for a return to Betis throughout the summer, eager to be reunited with Pellegrini.

According to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, United and Betis have now agreed a deal in principle over a loan deal for Antony following advanced discussions between the two clubs on Monday.

There is an expectation that Antony will join Betis on a permanent basis when his temporary deal expires in a year’s time.

Reports just last week suggested Fenerbahce had been going ‘all out’ to land Antony and were willing to meet United’s €45 million (£38.9m) asking price for the attacker.

However, Antony was left unconvinced by Fenerbahce’s project and turned down the prospect of working with Jose Mourinho to push through a switch to Seville.

‘Every day that passes allows us to dream of him being here,’ Betis’ director of football, Manu Fajardo, told reporters last month when asked about Antony’s potential return.

‘If Antony is here, it’s because the numbers add up.

‘The most important thing is the club’s sustainability. We can’t do anything crazy.’

Pellegrini, meanwhile, has made no secret of his desire to have Antony back at his disposal for the season ahead.

‘We all know how important Antony was here last season. Let’s see if he can make it… hopefully,’ the Betis head coach said this week.

‘I’m always talking to Manu, looking at different alternatives. But, as I say, always keeping the financial aspect in mind. I can give him ten names of players, but maybe they’re players who aren’t capable of making it.

‘So, taking all of that into account, the sporting director, the technical director, and the team leaders tried to put together the best squad possible.’

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