Antony transfer decision speaks volumes as latest Manchester United offer rejected

Antony transfer decision speaks volumes as latest Manchester United offer rejected

Antony is among the players expected to depart Manchester United this summer but he has his heart set on one destination

Manchester United's Antony while on loan at Real Betis (Image: Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)

While much of Manchester United's transfer business focuses on incomings, including the pursuit of Benjamin Sesko, there is still plenty of work to be done on potential outgoings.

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The so-called 'unwanted five' or 'bomb squad', comprising Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia, all need to find new clubs this summer. So far, only Rashford has completed a move, joining La Liga giants Barcelona on loan.

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Antony, meanwhile, spent the second half of last season on loan at Real Betis but is yet to secure a permanent exit from Old Trafford. Signed from Ajax for an eye-watering £81.3 million in the summer of 2022, the Brazilian winger has struggled to justify his hefty price tag.

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His resurgence at Betis, however, was impressive. In just 26 appearances across all competitions, Antony scored nine goals and provided five assists, playing a key role in the Spanish side’s run to the Conference League final, where they were beaten 4-1 by Premier League outfit Chelsea.

According to outlet SPORT, the player has reaffirmed his desire to leave United on a permanent basis this summer and has made his preferred destination crystal clear. He is reportedly willing to wait as long as it takes to return to the Estadio Benito Villamarin, where he rediscovered some of his best form under Manuel Pellegrini.

The article adds that United would prefer to offload the player to the Saudi Pro League, with Al Nassr the latest club linked with a move, as they are better positioned to meet United’s £50 million valuation. While such a move would likely see the player receive a significant pay rise, Antony is said to be willing to take a pay cut to facilitate a return to Betis.

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It remains a complicated deal to conclude, given United’s high asking price, but both Antony and Betis are understood to be prepared to play the waiting game in the hope a deal can be reached before the September 1 deadline. Antony’s reported desire to return to his loan club underlines where his priorities lie, as he appears focused on maximising his potential and playing his best football, rather than seeking higher wages elsewhere.

Antony admitted at the end of last season that he was unsure of where his future lies, but he made no secret of how much he enjoyed his time in Seville.

"I don't know what will happen in the future, only God knows," Antony told CBS Sports back in May. "My work is playing and I'm doing that well.

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"I have a lot of affection for Betis, for everyone, but I have a contract with Man United and I don't know what's going to happen. Now I will go to the national team and then on holiday, then we will see what happens in the future.

"I'm very happy here, everyone knows that, but I have a contract."

Only time will tell whether Antony gets his wish to reunite with Pellegrini, but if he remains firm in his desire to return to Betis, this saga may well drag on into the latter stages of the transfer window.

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