Antony is no longer a Betis player. Having rejected their initial offer, Manchester United had their first bid declined by the Spanish club. The Spanish club finally persuaded the English club on Monday, which was the final day of the European transfer window. The Spanish media reported that the transfer was sealed at €25 million. For a player signed by United in 2022 from Ajax for €100m, the contrast is stark and carries powerful symbolism: something that became United's headache can become one of Betis' smartest moves in years. The 25-year-old Brazilian striker already played for the Andalusian club on loan last season, impressed, and now returns to stay on a contract until 2030.
From rejection at Manchester to confirmation at Betis
Antony never seemed to find his position at Manchester United. Having arrived with high expectations, a record breaking transfer fee, and immediate pressure, the Brazilian soon became a thorn in the side of the Red Devils. Left out of the master plan and even training apart from the first team, only the question was when he would depart. United needed to flog an expensive asset that was not delivering on the pitch or building confidence. Betis saw the potential, quizzed again after the initial rejection, and at the tail-end of the window, landed their man.
It was not the same story in Spain. In six months, Antony played 26 matches for Betis, scored nine goals, and provided six assists. Not only did he deliver stunning statistics but also took on a pivotal role. He was a key player in the Conference League final campaign, which was lost to Chelsea, and earned a Europa League spot with a sixth-place finish in La Liga. Those are the reasons why a permanent transfer is justified now: this is not a buying on promises but on what has already been constructed on the pitch.
A risky transfer, but a sensible one
The €25 million Betis invested might seem high for a club outside Europe's financial big boys. But in context, the amount makes sense. Antony has already proven he plays in this system, he's won over the supporters, and he knows the league. The risk is less than it would otherwise be with new signings. The real risk is whether the Brazilian can keep his intensity level up and offer consistency over five years. And it is fair to argue Betis nailed it with this bold move. Instead of gambling on inexperienced youngsters or old stalwarts, the club invested in a player who is already proven and yet has some learning to do.
For United, the transfer is relief. Signed on a €100 million deal, Antony was the face of poor decisions and an awkward recruitment process. To be sold for €25 million is to take a massive hit, but it does end something with no future. For the fans, it pains to witness so much spending become such a massive loss, but that is simply the cycle of the market. At times, letting go is all that can be done.