Antony transfer hinges on pay cut for Betis return

Antony transfer hopes are alive and well, but the Brazilian winger’s dream of swapping Manchester United’s bench for Real Betis’ verdiblanco stripes can only materialise if he accepts a sizeable salary reduction. After a sparkling six-month loan in Seville yielded five goals, a string of assists and a surge to the UEFA Conference League final, the 24-year-old is pushing hard for a permanent switch. Yet, with two years left on his £200,000-a-week Old Trafford contract, the numbers simply do not add up for Betis unless the Antony transfer is struck on significantly leaner terms.

Why the Antony transfer is complicated

The Antony transfer involves three moving parts: Manchester United’s valuation, Betis’ wage ceiling, and the player’s personal demands. United paid £85 million in 2022 and know they will never recoup that outlay, but chief executive Omar Berrada still wants a respectable fee or, at the very least, a loan that covers a chunk of wages. Betis, meanwhile, remain shackled by La Liga’s strict salary limits. President Ángel Haro told Cope Sevilla that any package must “maintain financial discipline” and warned the club “won’t go crazy” just to land a popular loanee.

Betis’ stance: salary discipline first

Haro’s message is clear: Betis love Antony, the fans love Antony, but the accounts come first. The Andalusians have worked tirelessly to shed high earners in recent windows, and upsetting their delicate balance would undo years of careful planning. For the Antony transfer to work, the winger must slice at least 40 percent off his current wage, accept a heavily performance-related structure, or combine both options. Sources close to the negotiations say Betis are prepared to offer a four-year contract worth roughly €3.5 million net per season—far less than the £10 million he pockets in England.

Creative financing on the table

To bridge the gap, Betis are exploring inventive solutions. One proposal involves a season-long loan with a mandatory purchase clause triggered by European qualification. Another suggests United continue to pay a third of Antony’s salary for 12 months in exchange for a modest loan fee. A third route, preferred by United, is an outright sale around €25 million with sizeable add-ons linked to appearances, European progress and future resale. Each framework, however, collapses if the player refuses to trim his wages, underscoring how the Antony transfer hinges on personal sacrifice.

Manchester United open to offers

Behind the scenes, United view the Antony transfer as a chance to reset their wage bill and generate funds for summer targets. New minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made it clear that under-performing big earners have no guaranteed future. While manager Erik ten Hag maintains good relations with his former Ajax protégé, club insiders admit Antony’s inconsistency and recent off-field distractions make a fresh start logical for all parties. An impending rebuild means the Red Devils are listening not just to Betis but also to Fiorentina, Palmeiras and a trio of Premier League rivals.

Old Trafford exit strategy

United’s preferred timeline sees the Antony transfer resolved before their pre-season tour begins in late July, freeing up a squad spot and wage space. Failure to offload him early could leave the club scrambling to finalise deals for priority targets such as Jarrad Branthwaite or Michael Olise. With Financial Fair Play calculations looming on 30 June, an initial loan that removes 50 percent of Antony’s salary would already lighten the load, making Betis’ overtures increasingly attractive despite the reduced cash up front.

What’s next in the Antony transfer saga?

Talks are scheduled to resume in London next week, where Betis sporting director Ramón Planes will meet United officials to refine terms. The Spanish club are optimistic—citing Antony’s public affection for Seville and the dressing-room harmony his arrival sparked last spring—but concede the player’s agent, Júnior Pedroso, must convince his client that a pay cut now pays dividends later. Should negotiations stall, Betis will pivot toward cheaper alternatives such as Celta Vigo’s Jonathan Bamba, while United could retain Antony as rotational depth. Nonetheless, all sides agree momentum exists, and a compromise by mid-July remains the likeliest outcome.

Opinion: A gamble worth taking

Antony showed in just half a season that he can thrive in La Liga’s technical, possession-based environment, and Betis’ attacking philosophy seems tailor-made for him. Accepting a lower salary may bruise the ego, yet regular minutes, European nights at the Benito Villamarín and a fanbase that already sings his name could reignite a career that has stalled in Manchester’s unforgiving spotlight. For Betis, the Antony transfer would inject flair and end-product on the wings without shattering their financial model—provided everyone embraces sensible compromise.