Real Betis Transfer Hunt: Antony Top of Summer List

Real Betis transfer architects are mapping out an ambitious yet disciplined move to bring Brazilian winger Antony back to Seville, keen to avoid over-spending while still giving Manuel Pellegrini a marquee signing for 2024-25.

Real Betis transfer strategy balances ambition with prudence

Since returning to European competition, Los Verdiblancos have followed a clear recruitment mantra: secure high-impact players on realistic terms. Club president Ángel Haro and sporting director Ramón Planes believe the same approach can unlock a permanent deal for Antony, who dazzled the Benito Villamarín during a short-term spell in 2020. Insiders insist Betis will walk away if costs spiral, but they also sense that Manchester United’s need to trim wages and comply with Premier League financial rules has created a rare opening.

Antony’s first La Liga audition left Betis wanting more

The Brazilian joined on emergency loan four seasons ago, making only a handful of appearances before COVID-19 cut the campaign short. Even in that brief window, his close control, ability to break lines and fearless one-v-one duels impressed supporters and staff alike. “He lit up training,” recalls former assistant Rubén Cousillas. “You could see he felt at home.” That memory is reportedly fuelling Antony’s current “burning desire” to return, despite earning a lucrative contract in Manchester.

Manchester United’s valuation remains the biggest hurdle

United paid an eye-watering €95 million to Ajax in 2022 and privately accept they will not recoup the full investment. The hierarchy are said to be targeting a fee in the €40-45 million range to soften the amortisation hit on club accounts. Betis, meanwhile, have made it clear they will not exceed €25 million plus achievable add-ons. Negotiations are expected to centre on creative structures: an initial paid loan with an obligation after a set number of appearances, or a staggered payment schedule linked to Europa League qualification.

Financial context: LaLiga’s salary cap vs. Premier League PSR

On the Spanish side, Betis must work within LaLiga’s strict salary cap, currently projected at roughly €85 million for next season. Departures for high earners such as William Carvalho or Guido Rodríguez could free space, while new shirt sponsor TecnoSolar inflates commercial revenue. United’s pressure is different; Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group want headroom under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Regulations and see outgoings like Antony as low-hanging fruit.

Negotiation scenarios that could seal the Real Betis transfer

1. Paid Loan + Obligation
• Betis pay €5 million now, assume full salary, and trigger a €20 million obligation after 25 games.
2. Straight Sale with Sell-On Clause
• United accept €23 million up-front if a 20 % resale percentage is included.
3. Player-Plus-Cash Swap
• Betis offer talented left-back Juan Miranda, valued at €12 million, plus €15 million cash.

Each option suits different risk profiles, but sources close to both clubs believe Option 1 is the front-runner because it eases Betis’ cash flow while guaranteeing United significant relief on wages immediately.

Player power: Antony’s stance could tip the scales

The winger’s camp view Betis as an ideal environment to rebuild confidence after a difficult second season in England. Pellegrini’s attacking 4-2-3-1 would hand the Brazilian a settled right-wing berth, and the city’s sizable Brazilian community offers a supportive off-field atmosphere. Crucially, Antony is open to lowering his current £200,000-per-week salary, knowing local tax advantages and performance bonuses can make up ground.

What Antony adds to the Betis squad

• Direct dribbling to complement Nabil Fekir’s creativity
• Depth that allows Isco more freedom in central zones
• Press resistance—key in Pellegrini’s quick vertical transitions
• Shirt-sales potential in South America and Asia, advancing the club’s global brand

Competing interest from other clubs

Borussia Dortmund and Galatasaray have both enquired, yet neither club has progressed beyond preliminary talks. Dortmund prefer a loan with no obligation, and Gala cannot match Premier League wages. Betis remain confident because they can offer the combination of a stable league, European football and the sentimental pull of a familiar stadium.

Real Betis transfer timeline: next steps

• Early June: Preliminary discussions with United start via intermediaries.
• Mid-June: Betis board will vote on budget allocation once LaLiga publishes final cap.
• Late June: Antony expected in Orlando for United’s pre-season; decision could accelerate if INEOS finalise another attacking signing.
• First week of July: Target date for Betis to submit formal bid to avoid late-window inflation.

Failure to strike a deal before Betis fly to their own U.S. tour would likely see them pivot to alternative targets such as Sevilla’s Erik Lamela or Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnonto.

Risk factors to watch

• Antony’s form at Copa América: a standout tournament may inflate price.
• United managerial changes: if a new coach sees a role for Antony, sale could be paused.
• Betis exit clauses: losing Fekir or Isco could redirect funds away from wide positions.

Opinion: why Real Betis should press ahead

Antony may not have justified his nine-figure fee at Old Trafford, yet the skill set that persuaded Ajax and Manchester United to gamble on him still exists. In Pellegrini’s well-defined system, with lower media glare and huge terraces dying for flair, the winger could rediscover the swagger that once made him football’s hottest South American export. The financial equation is delicate, but calculated risk is the lifeblood of clubs striving to bridge the gap to Spain’s giants. If the numbers align, Betis would be bold to let this reunion slip.