Manchester United's Brazilian winger, Antony, is reportedly on the radar of La Liga club Real Betis for a potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window. Antony, who joined United from Ajax in 2022 for a substantial £86 million fee, has struggled to make a significant impact at Old Trafford. This season, he has yet to start a Premier League match and has been limited to appearances primarily in cup competitions.
Real Betis has expressed interest in acquiring Antony on loan, contingent upon Manchester United covering a significant portion of his £200,000-per-week wages. The Spanish club views Antony as a suitable fit for their squad and believes that a change of environment could help the player rediscover his form. However, the potential deal is considered complex due to financial constraints and would likely require the departure of a current Betis player, such as Assane Diao, to accommodate Antony's salary.
Antony's agent has acknowledged the interest from multiple clubs and indicated openness to a loan move in January, stating, "If the club thinks it would be a good idea to loan Antony out in January so he can get more minutes and regain his trust, we will work together on that option." This development suggests a willingness from both the player's camp and Manchester United to consider options that would provide Antony with more consistent playing time.
The potential move aligns with Manchester United's broader strategy to manage their wage bill and comply with profit and sustainability regulations. The club has previously engaged in similar arrangements, such as Jadon Sancho's loan to Chelsea, where United continued to pay part of his wages. Offloading Antony, even temporarily, could provide financial relief and allow the player an opportunity to rejuvenate his career in a new setting.
As the January transfer window approaches, discussions between Manchester United, Real Betis, and Antony's representatives are expected to continue. Both clubs will need to navigate financial considerations and squad dynamics to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. For Antony, a move to Real Betis could offer the playing time and environment needed to rediscover the form that once made him one of Europe's promising talents.