Antony Set to Join Real Betis on Loan

Manchester United winger Antony is set to join Real Betis on loan until the end of the season, with the details of the transfer finalized in a meeting today. The Brazilian winger is expected to arrive in Seville between Wednesday and Thursday, with the loan deal worth €2m, excluding Antony's wages.

The deal does not include a buyout clause, allowing Manchester United to sign him back at the end of the season. This move comes after Antony struggled with his form and faced criticism, prompting the club to agree to the loan. Manchester United's decision to sign Antony in 2022 was influenced by a combination of factors, including pressure from Erik ten Hag, the need to rebuild after a poor start to the season, and a challenge from former United executive director Marcel Bout.

Ten Hag, who was appointed last summer, had reportedly valued Antony at £25-30m, but the club ultimately paid an initial transfer fee of £82m for the 24-year-old winger. The decision to sign Antony was reportedly Ten Hag's first choice and one of the key factors in the club's search for a right winger. Real Betis will be required to play Antony at least 75% of the games during his loan spell if they fail to pay half of the winger's £300,000-per-week salary.

The move to Real Betis is seen as an opportunity for Antony to regain his form and for Manchester United to reassess their options. Meanwhile, Betis is also working to sign a full-back and a left-back before the transfer window closes, as they look to strengthen their squad for the remainder of the season.

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