Manchester United have agreed a deal for Antony to leave the club on a permanent transfer – but fans have spotted a major problem.
During the second half of the 2024–25 season, the Brazil winger was on loan at Real Betis in Spain.
Although he made a big impression in Spain, Ruben Amorim put him in Manchester United’s “bomb squad” when he returned.
Antony was not included in the matchday squad for any of United’s first three games of the season and did not play in any of their preseason games.
They have finally reached an agreement about the Brazilian’s future with less than 72 hours remaining in the transfer window.
Dharmesh Sheth, a correspondent for Sky Sports, claims that United has accepted Betis’ permanent offer for Antony.
To complete the transfer, the winger must now visit to Betis and reach a personal agreement with Manuel Pellegrini’s team.
Earlier in the transfer window, the Spanish team rejected a bid for the 25-year-old, but they have since reopened talks.
Fans have pointed out other significant issues with the transaction, though.
When Erik ten Hag was in charge, the Red Devils paid Ajax £81.3 million to sign Antony in 2023, and they will undoubtedly lose a lot of money on that deal.
With add-ons, the cost might have increased to £85.5 million, although it’s unclear if all the requirements were satisfied.
The Athletic claims that United has reached an agreement to sell Antony for a mere £21.6 million, which represents a loss of about £60 million on their original investment.
During his six-month tenure at Betis, he recorded nine goals and five assists and expressed satisfaction with his decision to relocate to Spain.
According to the same source, Betis wants United to come to an agreement with Antony that would make up the €4 million (about £3.5 million) in lost earnings if he signs a contract with the Spanish team, even though personal terms have not yet been finalized.
In 2023, the Brazilian signed a four-year contract with United, with two years remaining.
The claim is that United is ‘hoping that the two sides and the player can meet in the middle to allow the deal to complete’ prior to the transfer deadline.
Regardless, it appears to be another United transfer saga that Amorim and the club’s supporters could doubtless do without as the deadline edges ever nearer.
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