Man Utd agree first major sale of deadline day as major hurdle passed in Antony transfer with new deal

Manchester United have kicked off their deadline day with a bang by securing a fee for Antony from Real Betis after a tiring saga.

Now that Man Utd has overcome a significant obstacle that had previously eliminated Antony’s hopes of returning to Betis, he will get his chance.

After the clubs reached an agreement on a contract costing £21.6 million plus £1.8 million in add-ons, Betis abruptly realized they couldn’t pay the player’s salary.

By agreeing to their first significant sale of the deadline day, United has now gone above and beyond and made sure that obstacle is overcome through some haggling.

Man Utd agree Antony sale

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Antony’s new contract is worth £21.6 million. Hopefully, the add-ons will be eliminated so that Betis can cover the difference in his pay reduction.

While the 50% sell-on provision is still in effect, United has effectively eliminated the add-on, allowing Betis to pay Antony the money instead.

Some perspective is necessary since, even though that is a bad deal given the amount spent for him, what United paid was much excessive.

The biggest obstacle has been overcome: United will no longer pay the player, allowing them to fully end their relationship with him.

They will hope Antony flourishes in Spain so a club from Saudi Arabia, potentially, bids big for him, allowing United to earn more from the sell-on.

Man Utd are preparing a big move

With Hojlund’s option-turned-obligation worth £38 million, Garnacho leaving for £40 million, and Antony’s £21.6 million sale, United has finally lowered their net spend to under £100 million.

It is reasonable to conclude that the club is preparing a major move given that they were content to sit at a net spend of £200 million before to this.

For a total of £100 million, a midfield player and goalkeeper would fill two significant holes in the team and position United for a successful transfer window when the loan commitments are fulfilled.

This is excellent work for a club that, if Sir Jim Ratcliffe hadn’t stepped in, was reportedly going out of business last December!