Antony siirtyy Manchester Unitedista Real Betisiin uusi alku Sevillassa tuo toivoa uran nousuun
Transfer Deadline Day always delivers some drama, and this year one of the main storylines ended with a suitcase in hand and a new chapter in Spain. After weeks of negotiations, Manchester United and Real Betis finally agreed on a permanent deal for Antony. The Brazilian winger, once one of the Premier League’s most expensive imports, is trading the cold nights in Manchester for the sun-drenched rhythm of Seville.
- Transfer fee: €25 million
- United keep a hefty resale clause—up to 50% if Betis sell him later
- Antony has already traveled to Seville for his medical and to iron out personal terms
And just like that, one of United’s most hotly debated signings of recent years is out the door.
A Price Tag That Crushed More Than it Carried
When United shelled out nearly €95 million to Ajax in 2022, the expectations were stratospheric. Manager Erik ten Hag had pulled in his trusted former player to spark a new era of attacking football. Instead, what followed was a two-year lesson in how much a price tag can weigh on someone’s shoulders.
Over 82 appearances, Antony managed just 13 goals and 6 assists. His game often flashed with flair but lacked the end product needed to silence critics. And the critics came hard—fans frustrated, pundits merciless, the British press unforgiving. Bit by bit, his confidence faded. His role shrank. For United, the dream collapsed into damage control.
Sunshine, Freedom, and a Revival in Seville
But somewhere between the doubters and disappointment, football gave him a second chance. In the spring of 2025, Antony found himself on loan at Real Betis, and suddenly the puzzle pieces clicked.
In Spain, with a looser system and a manager willing to let him be expressive, Antony found space to run, space to take on defenders, and most importantly—space to breathe. His confidence came rushing back. Betis fans warmed to his style, and he became one of their key men in a lively second half of the season.
The Andalusian club desperately wanted to keep him, but financial hurdles kept the deal hanging in the balance for months. Now, with the deadline ticking away, both clubs finally shook hands.
What This Means for Manchester United
For United, the Antony saga is a cautionary tale. Big-money transfers and bold gambles without results have long been part of Old Trafford’s recent history. This exit is painful on the books, but it also clears wages and makes room for a fresh direction.
The club is still eyeing reinforcements—especially in goal and out wide—but Antony’s departure feels symbolic: a reminder that the reset button is still being pressed in Manchester.
Betis’ Gamble—or Genius?
Betis, meanwhile, see potential where United saw failure. They’re paying just a fraction of what the English club once did, and if Antony can replicate his loan form over an entire season, they may have pulled off one of the smartest deals of the window.
There’s risk, of course. His salary makes him one of the squad’s most high-profile names, and if things go sour, it could squeeze Betis financially. But the upside? A player who’s already proven he fits their style perfectly, and who could make La Liga stadiums his stage again.
The Refrain of Deadline Day
- Antony joins Real Betis permanently for €25 million
- United bank a possible windfall if he’s sold again down the line
- A turbulent English adventure closes, but a sunlit Spanish one begins
For Antony, a footballer who once looked lost in the shadow of pressure, Seville might just be the place for reinvention. As Deadline Day closed, the move wasn’t just a transaction—it felt like a chance at redemption.
Alternative Headlines
- From 95 Million to 25: Antony’s United Journey Ends, Betis Begin the Next Chapter
- Manchester United Cut Their Losses as Antony Finds a Home in Spain
- Deadline Day Twist: Antony Revives His Career with Permanent Betis Move
👉 What do you think: is this where Antony finally proves himself, or just another stop on a turbulent career?
