Antony ready to reject Benfica advances as Man Utd outcast continues to push for Betis return

Antony has reiterated his stance that he will join no other club than Real Betis, and is set to reject Benfica's offer to join from Manchester United.

Antony ready to reject Benfica advances as Man Utd outcast continues to push for Betis returnAntony ready to reject Benfica advances as Man Utd outcast continues to push for Betis returnAntony ready to reject Benfica advances as Man Utd outcast continues to push for Betis return

### Antony’s Unwavering Push for Betis Amid Transfer Drama

As the summer transfer window draws to a close, ‘s winger Antony remains steadfast in his desire to return to Real Betis, turning down advances from clubs like and others. This determination highlights the challenges faced by the Red Devils in reshaping their squad, with the Brazilian star prioritizing a familiar environment over lucrative opportunities elsewhere.

#### Challenges in Offloading Antony from Manchester

Manchester United is encountering significant obstacles in finding a new home for Antony, as the player has explicitly communicated to his representatives and the club’s hierarchy that his sole destination of choice is Real Betis. Recent reports from Estadio Deportivo indicate that Benfica’s interest in the 25-year-old will likely be rebuffed, aligning with Antony’s pattern of declining proposals from various sources this transfer period, including teams in the and the .

#### Betis’ Strategic Patience in Pursuing Antony Loan Deal

Real Betis has maintained a composed approach throughout the summer, confident that Antony’s loyalty will prevent him from considering alternatives. This strategy has allowed them to preserve their budget and long-term plans without haste. As deadlines approach, the La Liga side is optimistic about securing another loan arrangement for the talented forward, especially since Manchester United may find themselves with limited alternatives but to facilitate a temporary move back to . In a bold show of assurance, Betis has even set aside a slot for a non-EU player specifically for Antony, underscoring their belief in finalizing the agreement on favorable terms.

#### Financial Hurdles in Antony’s Potential Transfer

The asking price set by Manchester United for a permanent transfer stands at around €40-50 million (£35m-£43m/$46m-$58m), yet no interested party has stepped up to meet this valuation. Compounding the issue are Antony’s substantial salary demands, which deter potential suitors from committing. Even for Betis, matching his current earnings poses a challenge, meaning the player might need to make personal concessions to enable the switch. Club officials at Betis emphasize that maintaining financial equilibrium and their ongoing sustainable initiatives take precedence over any individual acquisition, a stance that has been reinforced in recent seasons with prudent signings that boosted their league standing to a top-10 finish in 2024.

#### Negotiations and Backup Plans for Antony’s Future

Multiple discussions have occurred between Antony’s team and Manchester United officials, establishing a foundation for potential agreements. However, further persuasion is required from the player’s side to align the club with his preferred conditions and Betis’ proposed terms. In parallel, Betis is proactively exploring alternative targets to ensure squad depth, should negotiations falter-a prudent move given the unpredictable nature of transfer dealings, as seen in recent high-profile cases like the protracted Kylian Mbappé saga that concluded in 2024.