Real Betis Break Silence on Antony Transfer as Atletico Madrid Enter the Race for Manchester United Star

Real Betis president Ángel Haro has finally broken his silence over the club’s pursuit of Manchester United winger Antony, following the Brazilian’s successful loan spell in Spain last season. While the Spanish side are still very much interested in bringing the player back, Haro admitted that financial limitations could make the deal tricky.

Antony, who struggled for game time under Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, was loaned to Real Betis during the January transfer window. It turned out to be a move that completely changed his fortunes. The 25-year-old rediscovered his spark and became one of Betis’ most important attacking players in the second half of the season.

In total, Antony made 26 appearances for Betis, scoring nine goals and assisting five more. His performances helped Betis in La Liga, but he also played a vital role in their impressive Europa Conference League run. The Brazilian contributed four goals and three assists in the tournament, helping Betis reach the final before they were eventually beaten by Chelsea.

With Manchester United now preparing for the new season, Antony has been left out of the club’s pre-season tour squad. The Red Devils are considering offloading the winger permanently this summer, opening the door for clubs like Betis to make a move.

But things are not as simple as they seemed when Antony was scoring spectacular goals for the Spanish side. The deal now faces complications due to financial constraints. Betis are still interested but are approaching the situation with more caution than before.

Speaking to Diario de Sevilla, Betis president Ángel Haro said:

“Betis has to be rigorous in its financial control. We’ll make efforts when a player is important, like Antony, but always within a strict financial framework.”

“From a financial perspective, it has to fit within our parameters. A purchase depends on United’s price. A loan is more feasible than a buyout, given what Manchester United are asking.”

“We’re assuming, and Betis is making efforts, that it could happen, but if it doesn’t, I don’t want it to be seen as a failure. It’s difficult to bring in a player of this quality and such a high financial reward.”

That statement makes it clear that while Betis would love to keep Antony, a permanent transfer might be too expensive. A new loan deal could be the only realistic option – unless United are willing to lower their asking price.

However, Betis aren’t the only club in the race anymore. According to recent reports, Atletico Madrid have now emerged as the leading candidates to sign the 25-year-old winger. Diego Simeone’s side are reportedly keen on bringing Antony to the Spanish capital, and they are believed to be ready to challenge Betis for his signature.

There were also links to German champions Bayer Leverkusen, where Antony could have reunited with his former United boss Erik ten Hag. But those rumours have cooled, as the Dutchman reportedly doesn’t see Antony as a priority target.

For Manchester United, the winger’s resurgence in Spain is a positive development. Antony was a big-money signing from Ajax but never truly lived up to expectations at Old Trafford. His struggles in England made it difficult for him to keep his place in the team, and the loan move last season gave him a much-needed fresh start.

United may now look to cash in on Antony while his value is still decent, especially if they can’t find a suitable role for him under Amorim. But with Betis unable to match their asking price and Atletico sniffing around, the situation remains open.

It’s a transfer saga that could go right down to the final weeks of the window. Betis are clearly hopeful but cautious. Atletico Madrid are lurking. And United are watching closely, knowing they could still benefit financially if the right deal comes in.

For Antony, the most important thing is continuing his upward momentum. After a strong six months in Spain, he’ll want to keep playing regularly and performing at a high level. Whether that happens back in Seville, in Madrid, or somewhere else entirely, remains to be seen.