Manchester United’s transfer business continues to attract headlines as the club looks to reshape its squad under Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese head coach has placed a strong emphasis on balancing arrivals with departures, as United aim to move on from players who have struggled to find consistency at Old Trafford.
In recent weeks, speculation has intensified around several fringe figures in the squad, with clubs across Europe keeping a close watch on opportunities.
United have been firm in their stance that outgoing deals should provide long-term value rather than temporary fixes, with permanent transfers preferred over loans.
Now, one of the longest-running sagas of the summer has reached its conclusion, as the club finalises an agreement for a player who never truly settled in Manchester.
Real Betis and Manchester United have agreed a €25m package for the transfer of Brazilian winger Antony, with the deal including a 50% sell-on clause, as per The Athletic.
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The two clubs had reached an agreement in principle last week, but the deal faced delays due to tensions surrounding Antony’s significant wage reduction.
United will now make no further payments to the winger, who has two years remaining on his £6m-a-year contract.
Antony impressed on loan at Betis last season, scoring nine goals and providing five assists across 26 appearances.
His form helped Manuel Pellegrini’s side reach the Conference League final, although they were beaten 4-1 by Chelsea.
Having arrived at Old Trafford in August 2023 under Erik ten Hag for a fee worth €95m plus add-ons, Antony was expected to be a cornerstone of United’s attack.
However, after an encouraging first campaign with eight goals and three assists, his influence quickly waned.
By 2023-24, he was largely reduced to the fringes, registering just three goals and two assists across 38 appearances.
The winger spoke openly in May about his struggles, telling TNT Sports Brazil that he had “gone days without eating” and had “fallen out of love with the game” during his time at United.
Betis pursued a permanent move throughout the summer, initially threatening to walk away unless wage issues were resolved.
United held firm, refusing to sanction another loan spell and pushing for a sale.
With an agreement finally struck at €25m plus €3m in potential bonuses, Antony is set to return to Spain, where he rediscovered his form and confidence.
For United, the inclusion of a 50% sell-on clause ensures they will benefit if Betis profit from a future transfer, bringing some financial protection after what will go down as one of the costliest misfires in the club’s modern history.
