On the evening of 29/8, English media reported that Man Utd had agreed to sell Antony to Betis for 29 million USD, with a clause granting them 50% of any future transfer profit. The Brazilian player was even reportedly allowed to fly to Spain to finalize the paperwork. However, just a few hours later, Betis unexpectedly announced their withdrawal, claiming they couldn't afford the "total cost" of the deal.

According to Betis, the issue wasn't the transfer fee itself, but rather the additional costs. Man Utd still owes a portion of the 111 million USD they paid Ajax for Antony in 2022. The "Red Devils" wanted Betis to share this burden, which the Spanish club promptly refused.

Antony warms up before Betis' match against Vitoria Guimaraes, first leg of the UEFA Conference League round of 16 at Benito Villamarin Stadium, Seville, Spain, 6/3/2025. *Photo: Reuters*

Antony's salary also presents a problem for Betis. He currently earns around 8 million USD annually at Man Utd. Returning to Betis would require the 25-year-old forward to accept a pay cut, resulting in a loss of 4.7 million USD over the remaining two years of his contract. While the player seeks compensation for this reduction, neither Man Utd nor Betis is willing to bear the extra cost. "We cannot pay more; that's a matter between Man Utd and the player," a source from Betis stated.

Man Utd views Betis' withdrawal as a bargaining tactic. They believe the Spanish club still needs Antony, especially after Isco's long-term injury. However, Betis also has reasons to stand firm. Their limited budget prevents them from turning Antony's transfer into an unexpectedly expensive deal, despite the 25-year-old's impressive performance during the latter half of last season.

During his loan spell from 1/2025, Antony scored 9 goals and provided 5 assists in 26 matches, playing a key role in Betis' journey to the UEFA Conference League final. He and Isco became integral parts of manager Manuel Pellegrini's game plan. Betis aims to secure him permanently, making Antony their star signing this season.

Man Utd also has reasons to offload Antony. After spending 111 million USD to bring him in at the request of then-manager Erik ten Hag, the Brazilian player has been a disappointment. He scored only 12 goals in 96 appearances and lost his starting position when Ruben Amorim took charge. This season, Antony hasn't played a single minute in the first three Premier League matches.

With just over two days left in the summer transfer window, Antony's future remains uncertain. If Betis truly withdraws, Man Utd may be forced to seek alternative solutions. If both sides compromise, the deal could be revived at the last minute.

Antony bears the brunt of this uncertainty, having publicly expressed his desire to return to Betis, where he rediscovered his joy for the game after a period of disillusionment at Man Utd. In a May 2025 interview, Antony admitted to having "lost interest in football" while at Man Utd, even skipping meals due to pressure and disappointment. Betis offered him a sense of revival, but the financial wrangling between the two clubs has left him in limbo.

The tug-of-war between Man Utd and Betis highlights a reality of modern football, where transfer fee agreements are just the tip of the iceberg. The underlying issues, including agent fees, salary discrepancies, and additional clauses, are what can derail a deal in an instant. Antony's situation serves as a prime example.

Hoang An (*Athletic, Marca*)