Manchester United’s record signing Antony is set to join struggling La Liga side Real Betis on a six-month loan deal, marking a dramatic fall from grace for the Brazilian winger. The Spanish club, currently 12th in the league, has created space for the move by selling young talent Assane Diao for £10 million.
First January transfer for Manchester United
The unusual loan arrangement will see United covering a significant portion of Antony’s wages, with Betis agreeing to financial penalties if the 24-year-old fails to meet appearance targets. The deal includes a clause that penalizes Betis for every five games the Brazilian doesn’t feature in.
Since his £81.3 million move from Ajax in 2022, Antony has fallen well short of expectations at Old Trafford, scoring just 12 goals in 96 appearances. His Premier League goal drought stretches back to April 2023, managing just one goal in 43 matches. This season has been particularly challenging, with only three starts across all competitions.
The loan move could offer Antony a chance to rebuild his value ahead of a potential permanent transfer, though he remains under contract at United until 2027 with an option for an additional year. His disappointing spell at United, where he stands as the club’s second-most expensive signing after Paul Pogba, shows the club’s recent wasteful transfer spending. For United, this might mean that they can afford to sign a new forward this January. They desperately need reinforcements, dwindling currently 13th on the Premier League table currently. They lost to Brighton on Sunday at home (3-1).
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 20, 2025
Antony to Real Betis, here we go! Verbal agreement in place between all parties with Man United too.
Documents being checked; then time for travel and medical tests.
United will let him leave on loan deal with 𝐧𝐨 buy clause. He’ll be formally back to United in June. pic.twitter.com/2Bywbzdxvj
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