Real Betis CEO Ramon Alarcon has talked-up a permanent deal for Manchester United attacker Antony during this summer's transfer window, with the Brazilian making a strong start to life at Estadio Benito Villamarin.
The 24-year-old made the move to Seville in the latter stages of the January transfer window, joining Manuel Pellegrini's side on a deal until the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
Antony has impressed in his opening two games against Athletic Bilbao and Celta Vigo, scoring against the latter, but as it stands, the Brazilian will return to his parent club this summer, as there is no obligation to purchase in the agreement.
Alarcon has said that Real Betis are open to signing Antony on a permanent basis this summer, and he is confident that their strong relationship with Man United will stand them in good stead when it comes to potential negotiations.
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Real Betis open to signing Antony on a permanent basis
"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," Alarcon told Cadena SER.
"There is very good chemistry with Manchester [United] and with the player. It is a possibility that he will continue next season, why not?"
Antony made the move to Man United from Ajax in the summer of 2022, with former Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag pushing to sign the Brazilian, but he has struggled to make his mark at Old Trafford.
The forward has only managed 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances for the Red Devils, including one goal in 14 appearances before being allowed to leave on loan for the second half of the campaign.
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Is there a future for Antony at Man United?
Antony has a contract at Man United until June 2027, but it is difficult to imagine him having a long-term career at Old Trafford, certainly under Ruben Amorim, as the current manager's formation does not suit the Brazilian.
Indeed, Antony was asked to play as a wing-back and a number 10 for Man United under Amorim, but he struggled in both positions, with his best work coming as a wide player down the right.
That position no longer exists in his Man United set-up, and Antony needs to reignite his career after a difficult period, so an exit this summer suits all parties, as the Red Devils would also remove his wages from their budget and receive a relatively healthy transfer fee.
Antony has already made his mark for Real Betis, but there were other clubs interested in his services during the January transfer window, and he may have a number of options during this summer's market.
The forward could make his European debut for Pellegrini's side when they head to Gent on Thursday night for the first leg of their Conference League knockout round playoff fixture.
Matt Law
