Report: United face challenges offloading £86m signing to La Liga side | OneFootball

Betis Face Roadblocks in Pursuit of Manchester United’s Antony

Real Betis are reportedly struggling to strike a deal for Manchester United winger Antony, according to Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth. The Brazilian international, who once shone in Spain, is said to have “his heart set on a return to Betis” but progress remains slow.

Reports suggest that Antony is not in Ruben Amorim’s plans for the coming season, leaving the 25-year-old facing a race against time to secure a move away from Old Trafford. His agent has also “not ruled out a move to Saudi Arabia” should a European option fail to materialise.

Antony’s Situation at United

Since arriving from Ajax in 2022 for a reported £86 million fee, Antony has endured an inconsistent spell in the Premier League. Despite flashes of flair, he has struggled for sustained form and end product, scoring only a handful of league goals in two seasons.

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With Amorim set to reshape United’s squad, Antony appears surplus to requirements. The winger’s high wages and sizeable transfer fee mean that finding a buyer willing to match United’s valuation could be challenging.

Betis’ Financial Constraints

For Betis, the attraction is clear — Antony’s pace, dribbling, and familiarity with La Liga could be an asset. However, reports indicate that the Spanish side are finding it “difficult to do a deal” due to financial limitations. Any agreement may hinge on a loan arrangement or a reduced fee, but time is short in the summer window.

Saudi Arabia Link Remains Open

Should Betis fail to complete a deal, Antony’s next destination could be the Saudi Pro League. A lucrative offer from the Middle East might tempt United to part ways and give the player a fresh start. However, the winger’s preference appears to be a return to Spain, where he believes he can revive his career at a familiar club.

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From a Manchester United supporter’s perspective, Antony’s situation is bittersweet. On one hand, fans had high hopes when he joined — the price tag and Erik ten Hag’s previous connection to the player created big expectations. Unfortunately, his output has fallen short, especially in terms of goals and assists. Many United fans now see his departure as inevitable.

The potential move to Betis makes sense for Antony, given his desire for a familiar environment and a league that might suit his style better. However, from a United standpoint, the financial side is a concern. Selling him for a significantly lower fee, or accepting a loan, would highlight another expensive misstep in the transfer market.

A Saudi move would be financially beneficial for United, but it might not align with Antony’s personal ambitions. Supporters are likely split — some want to maximise his sale value, others prioritise simply moving him on to free up wages and squad space.

Ultimately, the Antony saga reflects broader issues in United’s recruitment strategy. For the club to move forward, deals like this need to be handled efficiently, ensuring both footballing and financial sense. The next few weeks will be telling.