In a stunning turn of events on transfer deadline day, Brazilian winger Antony has completed a permanent move from Manchester United to Real Betis, marking the end of a tumultuous chapter at Old Trafford. The €28 million deal, which includes a significant sell-on clause, represents a massive financial loss for United but offers the player a fresh start in La Liga. This transfer has sent shockwaves through the football world, highlighting the highs and lows of high-stakes signings in the Premier League. As fans search for the latest Manchester United transfer news and Antony’s next chapter, this article delves deep into the details, background, and implications of this dramatic departure.The Deadline Day Drama: How the Deal UnfoldedTransfer deadline day is always ripe with surprises, and Antony’s move to Real Betis was no exception. According to reports, negotiations between Manchester United and the Spanish club intensified in the final hours of the summer window on August 30, 2025. The agreement was reached after initial talks stalled over Antony’s salary reduction, but the clubs managed to finalize a package without United making additional payments to the player.
The total fee stands at €28 million, comprising a base amount with potential add-ons, and includes a 50% sell-on clause for any future profit Betis might generate from reselling Antony.
This isn’t Antony’s first stint with Real Betis; it’s a return to the club where he rediscovered his form during a loan spell in the second half of the 2024-25 season. Sources indicate that Betis were eager to secure him permanently after his impressive contributions, which helped propel them to the Europa Conference League final.
For Manchester United, the sale aligns with their strategy under manager Ruben Amorim to streamline the squad and adhere to financial fair play regulations. Antony, who had two years left on his contract, had been training separately from the first team, signaling the end of his time in Manchester.
The move was confirmed by both clubs shortly after the deadline, with Antony signing a contract with Betis until 2030.
Fans following Premier League transfers and La Liga signings will note this as one of the window’s most talked-about deals, especially given Antony’s high-profile arrival at United just three years prior.Antony’s Journey at Manchester United: From Record Signing to Forgotten ManAntony’s story at Manchester United began with immense promise. In August 2022, the Brazilian international joined from Ajax in a deal worth up to €100 million (£86 million at the time), making him the club’s second-most expensive signing behind Paul Pogba.
Reunited with his former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag, expectations were sky-high for the skillful winger known for his dribbling prowess and flair.In his debut season (2022-23), Antony showed glimpses of brilliance, scoring eight goals and providing three assists across all competitions.
However, his form waned in subsequent campaigns. The 2023-24 season was particularly challenging, with just three goals and two assists in 38 appearances, starting only 21 of them.
Overall, during his Manchester United career, Antony made 96 appearances, scoring 12 goals and registering 5 assists.
In the Premier League specifically, he featured in 62 matches, netting 5 goals and 3 assists.
Critics labeled him a “record flop” due to his inability to justify the hefty price tag. Factors like inconsistent performances, injuries, and off-field issues contributed to his decline. By the start of the 2025-26 season, Antony hadn’t featured at all, omitted from preseason tours and relegated to the so-called “bomb squad” alongside players like Jadon Sancho.
This fall from grace underscores the risks of big-money transfers in modern football, a topic often searched in Manchester United news and player performance analyses.The Loan Spell at Real Betis: A Revival in SpainSeeking to reignite his career, Antony was loaned to Real Betis in January 2025 for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. This move proved transformative. Under manager Manuel Pellegrini, Antony thrived in La Liga’s more fluid style, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.
His contributions were instrumental in Betis’ run to the Europa Conference League final, where they ultimately fell 4-1 to Chelsea.
Statistics from his loan period highlight a marked improvement: in La Liga alone, he started 15 matches, played 1,364 minutes, scored 5 goals, and added 2 assists.
Compared to his Manchester United stats, this resurgence demonstrated Antony’s potential when given consistent opportunities and a supportive environment. Betis fans welcomed him as a hero, and his performances convinced the club to pursue a permanent deal.
For those researching Antony’s stats or Real Betis transfers, this loan spell stands out as a pivotal moment in his career trajectory.Financial Implications for Manchester United: A Costly LessonManchester United’s decision to sell Antony for €28 million represents a staggering financial hit. Having invested approximately €100 million to acquire him from Ajax, the club is set to record a loss of around €72 million on the player.
This doesn’t account for his £6 million annual wages, which further strained the club’s payroll.
The sale aids United in complying with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), freeing up funds for potential reinvestments. With high earners like Antony off the books, manager Ruben Amorim can focus on squad rebuilding. However, this transfer serves as a cautionary tale for Premier League clubs about the perils of overpaying for talent. Searches for “Manchester United financial losses” or “record flops in football” often cite similar cases, and Antony’s departure adds to that narrative.
What This Means for Real Betis: Bolstering Ambitions in La LigaFor Real Betis, securing Antony permanently is a coup. The 25-year-old’s familiarity with the team and proven impact during his loan make him a key asset for their La Liga and European campaigns.
Betis, aiming to challenge for top spots in Spain and progress in the Europa League, see Antony as a versatile winger who can add creativity and goals to their attack.His contract until 2030 provides stability, and the sell-on clause mitigates risk if he attracts bigger clubs in the future.
Pellegrini’s side benefits from Antony’s international experience with Brazil, where he has earned caps and contributed to their national team efforts. This signing enhances Betis’ profile in global football transfers, appealing to fans tracking La Liga news and player acquisitions.Antony’s Personal Struggles and Comeback: A Human StoryBeyond the statistics, Antony’s transfer reveals a deeper personal narrative. In a candid interview with TNT Sports Brazil in May 2025, he opened up about his mental health battles at Manchester United, admitting to days without eating and losing his passion for football.
“I needed to find myself,” he said, reflecting on how his loan to Betis restored his joy in the game.This move back to Spain offers Antony a chance to rebuild mentally and professionally. At 25, he has ample time to fulfill his potential, and his resilience could inspire others facing similar challenges in professional sports. Topics like “footballer mental health” and “player comebacks” often intersect with stories like Antony’s, making this transfer more than just a business transaction.Future Prospects: What Lies Ahead for Antony and the ClubsLooking forward, Antony’s success at Real Betis could lead to a Brazil recall or interest from top European clubs. For Manchester United, the funds from this sale might fuel pursuits of new talents, strengthening their bid for Premier League glory. Real Betis, meanwhile, positions itself as a nurturing ground for revitalized stars.In conclusion, Antony’s €28 million departure from Old Trafford to Real Betis encapsulates the unpredictable nature of football transfers. From a record-breaking signing to a deadline-day exit, his journey serves as a reminder of the sport’s demands. As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on how this “record flop” transforms into a La Liga success story. For the latest updates on Antony’s career, Manchester United transfers, or Real Betis news, stay tuned to reliable sources.