Manchester United reportedly went one step closer to a deal with Real Betis for Antony, but only for half of him.
The Brazilian is the Red Devils’ second-most expensive acquisition ever, having joined from Ajax for £86 million in 2022.
After 96 games and 17 goals, the arrival of Ruben Amorim in the Old Trafford dugout marked the end of Antony’s time with the club.
Antony, along with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia, was judged surplus to requirements by the Portuguese manager and sent on loan to Real Betis for the remainder of the season.
There, he appeared changed, with nine goals and five assists in all competitions, prompting club captain Isco to recommend crowdsourcing his permanent move.
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Antony wants the transfer, even offering to take a wage reduction to complete the transaction, and Betis wants him back, but the numbers have proven difficult, with the Red Devils demanding £39 million.
However, according to Diario de Sevilla, Los Verdiblancos have now offered roughly €20 million for 50 percent of Antony’s rights, so making them co-owners of the player.
This is a more usual configuration in Europe, but it is rather uncommon on English soil.
The agreement would essentially see United maintain a 50% sell-on clause for Antony if Betis sold him in the future.
Given the impression Antony made on Betis during his short-term loan spell, FourFourTwo believes they will be United’s best buyer.
The contract is unusual for English teams and is not ideal for the Red Devils as they try to balance their books after a summer of huge expenditure, but they were never going to be the beneficiaries of any Antony deal following their massive overpayment to Ajax.
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