Man United flop Antony our greatest-ever signing – Betis chief
Real Betis have completed the permanent transfer of Brazilian winger Antony from Manchester United after agreeing a deal worth up to €25 million following an initial loan spell. The 25-year-old attacker signed a contract lasting multiple seasons with the Andalusian club, with United retaining a 50% sell-on clause for any future transfer fees.
Antony originally joined Manchester United from Ajax in 2022 for a reported €95 million plus €5 million in potential add-ons. However, he struggled to adapt at Old Trafford and was unable to consistently secure a place in the starting lineup. His loan move to Betis in January marked a turning point, as he showcased renewed form and impact in La Liga, helping Betis to qualify for the Europa League.
Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo praised the acquisition as possibly “the most important signing in Betis’ history,” citing Antony’s talent and the significance of signing a player from a top European club. Antony demonstrated his value by assisting and scoring in Betis’ Europa League opener, securing a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest on September 25.
The deal reflects Betis’ strategic ambition to strengthen their squad with high-caliber players capable of competing on multiple fronts. For Antony, the permanent move represents a fresh start to revitalize his career with consistent playing opportunities under a system that maximizes his technical skills, pace, and creativity on the wing.
Manchester United’s retention of a 50% future sale clause signals confidence in Antony’s potential market value, while Betis look to build on his resurgence as a key component of their attacking framework moving forward.