Antony has officially completed his €25 million transfer to Real Betis, securing a permanent return after a very successful loan spell. The Brazilian winger, who scored nine goals and provided five assists for the Spanish club, was keen to make the move, but the deal went down to the wire. Betis CEO Ramos Alcaron revealed that the transfer was almost cancelled at the last minute due to delays in approval from Man United’s owners, the Glazer family.
🤝 A Mutual Desire for Reunion
Throughout the summer, both Antony and Real Betis were focused on making his return permanent. Antony reportedly turned down offers from other European clubs, showing his commitment to rejoining the La Liga side. His strong performance during his six-month loan had convinced Betis that he was a key player for their future, and they were determined to bring him back.
⏳ Navigating Tense Negotiations
Getting the deal done was not easy. Ramos Alcaron explained that there was a significant difference of around €5-6 million between what Betis could offer and what Man United initially wanted. He said there was a moment when it seemed the deal was lost because the clubs were at their limits. However, with the deadline approaching, all parties—Betis, Man United, and Antony himself—made extra efforts and compromises to reach an agreement.
✍️ The Final Hurdle to Approval
Even after an agreement was reached, there was one final stressful wait. The contract details were sorted out early on a Sunday morning, but the official signature from Man United’s owners in the United States was still needed. The Betis team had to wait anxiously until Monday afternoon for the Glazer family to give the final sign-off. Only then could they arrange a flight for Antony to complete his long-awaited return.
