Antony Seals Permanent Switch to Real Betis After Manchester United Exit
Antony’s turbulent journey at Manchester United has come to an end. The Brazilian winger, once hailed as the next attacking jewel at Old Trafford, is now officially a Real Betis player.
According to The Athletic, United and Betis reached an agreement valued at €25 million (£21.3m), including €3 million in potential bonuses.
Crucially, the deal also features a 50% resale clause on any future profit, ensuring the Red Devils could still benefit should Antony’s career soar in Spain.
Antony had already made an impression in Seville. His loan spell in the latter half of the 2024–25 season delivered nine goals and five assists across 26 appearances. That form left Betis with little doubt, they wanted him permanently.
Yet, negotiations weren’t smooth. Talks reportedly stalled over disagreements regarding a significant salary reduction. Still, both sides eventually struck a compromise. United avoided covering a projected €4 million financial shortfall, while Betis secured their target.
Real Betis have agreed to sign Antony from Man United on a permanent deal — €25m fee with a 50% sell-on clause. ⏳
No termination payment included for the Brazilian winger.
[@David_Ornstein] #MUFC pic.twitter.com/dlNjZv6D40
— UnitedUnplugged (@UnitedUnplugged) September 1, 2025
When Antony arrived at Old Trafford from Ajax in 2022 for a staggering €95 million, expectations were sky-high. But the promise quickly faded. Only one season of decent performances followed before his form fell off a cliff.
Sources close to the winger revealed his struggles in Manchester, both on and off the pitch. Settled under Erik ten Hag but later drained of motivation, Antony admitted: “I had lost the taste of football in Manchester.”
For United, the move is a sobering reminder of a failed recruitment strategy. The club invested heavily, but the return was meager. Antony’s sale is being labelled as one of the more expensive mistakes of the modern era at Old Trafford.
At just 23, Antony has time on his side. The transfer marks a fresh start, a chance to rebuild confidence and rhythm in Spain. For Betis, it’s a calculated gamble. For United, it’s damage limitation.
Across Europe, clubs are reshaping their squads with bold moves, from Antony’s departure to Manchester to Donnarumma’s arrival at City; the transfer market is showing no shortage of high-profile shifts.
Antony’s career in La Liga will now be watched closely, not just by Betis supporters, but also by those in Manchester keeping an eye on that hefty resale clause.
