In a stunning twist to the January transfer window, Manchester United's record signing Antony is being lined up for a shock escape route to Spanish football. La Liga outfit Real Betis are reportedly preparing a bold loan move for the Brazilian winger, whose disastrous £85 million move to Old Trafford has spectacularly failed to deliver.
The 23-year-old, once the crown jewel of Erik ten Hag's rebuild, has become a peripheral figure at the club he joined from Ajax in 2022. With just a single goal contribution all season, his immense price tag now weighs heavier than ever, and the United hierarchy are believed to be open to cutting their losses, even temporarily.
Betis See Opportunity in United's Misfortune
According to reports from Spain, the Seville-based club see a unique opportunity to acquire a high-profile talent at a fraction of his cost. Real Betis, currently managed by former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, are plotting an audacious six-month loan deal with an option to make the move permanent.
This potential deal represents a dramatic fall from grace for Antony, who was once Ten Hag's undisputed first-choice on the right wing. His place in the starting XI has now been overtaken by the emerging talent of 19-year-old academy graduate Alejandro Garnacho, pushing the Brazilian further down the pecking order.
A Fresh Start or Another False Dawn?
A stint in La Liga could offer Antony the chance to rediscover his confidence and form away from the intense scrutiny of the Premier League. The technical, less physically demanding nature of Spanish football might suit his playing style more effectively.
However, the move is fraught with questions. Would United be willing to subsidise a large portion of his mammoth wages? And could Antony, a player signed for his explosive potential, adapt his game to succeed in a new league mid-season?
For Manchester United, offloading Antony, even temporarily, would free up significant funds on the wage bill and could be a crucial first step in rectifying one of the most expensive transfer missteps in the club's recent history.
