Real Betis open door to signing Antony permanently from Manchester United

Antony has already made a big impression after joining the Spanish club.

Manuel Pellegrini, the manager of Real Betis, has described Antony as a “quality player” and hinted that the team may try to make the loan move permanent in the summer.

After failing to make much of an impression at Manchester United, Antony joined Betis on a loan deal for the rest of the season last month. In 2022, the Red Devils paid a reported £86 million to acquire him from Ajax; but, in 96 games, Antony only scored 12 goals and provided five assists.

Nevertheless, he has had a bright start to his career with Betis, winning player of the match on his debut and netting in his second game. Ramon Alarcon, the CEO of Betis, has recently stated that the team wants to retain Antony.

Two La Liga games, two Man of the Match awards for Antony 😏 pic.twitter.com/fLUOcn3PlR

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 8, 2025

Alarcon responded to a question regarding the 24-year-old’s future on Cadena Ser’s Radio Sevilla:

“I think so. The other day the CEO of United called me. We sent them all the moves and details of the player throughout the week so that they can see that we are looking after their asset.

“There is very good chemistry with Manchester [United] and with the player. It is a possibility that he will continue next season, why not?”

Pellegrini commended Antony’s instant influence, saying following his debut

“Well, I think it was a very positive debut. He’s a quality player. I was talking to him just before the game. I think a good player doesn’t have to be constantly showing off his skills with the ball.

“He has to play a good game, make few mistakes and do two or three important things: a goal, a good pass, a good cross. I think he was very involved today, especially with the second goal. He had just arrived a couple of days before and I think he’s going to contribute a lot to us.

Betis have failed to win since his arrival, despite his strong start after losing 3-2 to Celta Vigo and drawing 2-2 with Athletic Bilbao in Antony’s opening two games.

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