Real Betis sign Antony on a loan deal from Manchester United

Antony will join Real Betis on a loan deal till the end of the season. (Image credits - FMT, License Details)

Real Betis have acquired the services of Manchester United's second highest purchase of all time, Antony. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Spanish club have signed the Brazilian winger on a short-term loan deal, valid until the end of the season. Romano further added that United have also agreed to cover a portion of Antony’s wages at Betis.

90min states that the La Liga club had submitted an improved bid earlier to sign the Brazilian on loan, to which the Red Devils have now agreed to.

The circumstances could not be more apt for this transfer. Initially considered a huge potential asset, Antony’s value at United has gradually dropped as he has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford.

The former Ajax player has scored just 12 goals and provided 5 assists in 95 appearances since his £81.3m signing in August 2022.

His lackluster performances have led to him tumbling down the pecking order, with Amad Diallo and other young wingers emerging as viable options. Also, starting just two games, namely against Bodo Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur, in the UEFA Europa League and Carabao Cup, respectively, since Ruben Amorim’s appointment in November.

This clearly indicated that the future for the Manchester United winger looked quite bleak, and a move away from Old Trafford was the best solution for the Brazilian winger.

The deal went through amidst Manchester United's FPP issues

There was a major issue for Manchester United as they are currently battling against Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, making offloading a high-wage player a smart decision. United had been trying to offload Antony for several weeks. Therefore, his departure will be seen as a welcome relief for the club's finances.

On the other side of the light, Antony will also get a great opportunity to revive his career. The Brazilian is expected fit seamlessly into Real Betis' setup, as the Spanish club had been in the market searching for a winger this January. 

Antony's skills would complement their existing attacking lineup. With the likes of Giovani Lo Celso and Isco already in their ranks, Antony's pace and trickery would add a new dimension to their attack. 

According to Tribal Football, Real Betis chief Manu Fajardo has commented, "Throughout the season, we have been one of the teams that has generated the most in the offensive phase, and we have also been the ones that have been the least successful in the finishing zone. We are working to improve this in this market."