In a dramatic fall from grace, Manchester United's £85 million winger Antony is reportedly awaiting an imminent update on his future, with La Liga outfit Real Betis emerging as a surprise potential suitor.
The Brazilian international, once the club's record signing, has found himself frozen out of Erik ten Hag's plans and is now braced for a January exit to resurrect his faltering career.
From Record Signing to Outcast: Antony's Old Trafford Struggle
Since his high-profile arrival from Ajax in the summer of 2022, Antony has failed to live up to his enormous price tag. The 24-year-old has struggled for both form and consistency, managing just eight Premier League goals in his time at the club.
His situation has deteriorated this season, with the player becoming a peripheral figure under the manager who once championed his signing. The need for regular first-team football is now paramount for the winger, whose place in the Brazilian national team is also under threat.
La Liga Lifeline: Real Betis Emerge as Shock Contenders
According to reports from Spain, Real Betis are considering offering Antony a route out of his Manchester United nightmare. The Seville-based club, known for their attractive style of football, could provide the ideal environment for the Brazilian to rediscover his form.
A loan move until the end of the season is believed to be the most likely arrangement, with the Verdiblancos cautious about committing to a permanent deal given the player's recent struggles and substantial wages.
Ten Hag's January Clear-Out Gains Momentum
Antony's potential departure signals a broader shift in Manchester United's transfer strategy. Erik ten Hag is keen to streamline his squad and move on underperforming assets as he looks to rebuild following a disappointing start to the season and the club's early Champions League exit.
Offloading Antony's significant wages would also free up valuable funds for the Dutch manager to pursue his own targets in the January window, with reinforcements in defence and attack understood to be priorities.
All parties are now awaiting a decisive update in the coming days, which could see one of the Premier League's most expensive flops attempt to resurrect his career in one of Europe's other top leagues.
