Antony is keen to stay at Real Betis but with the financial realities of a deal with Manchester United proving problematic, reports in Spain suggest a novel solution
Manchester United are keen for Antony to leave this club this summer and Real Betis are eager to make his loan move a permanent one. But there remains a significant hurdle to overcome: the finances.
The La Liga side, heartbroken by Wednesday night’s UEFA Conference League final defeat to Chelsea, cannot meet United’s asking price of £40m while Antony’s massive salary of £200,000 per week may be a stumbling block too – despite the Brazilian enjoying his time in Seville.
Yet a report in Marca suggests that Betis may now look to part-own Antony in a bizarre move that would see United retain an interest and talks will take place between the clubs in the next couple of days to explore a possible agreement.
Of a more likely nature would be for Betis to agree another loan for Antony while paying a substantial percentage of his wages.
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Antony, who United paid £86m for, has scored nine goals in 26 games since joining Betis midway through the season. And while he struggled to make an impact against Chelsea, the overall impact is that of a player completely rejuvenated since leaving the misery of Old Trafford.
United are expecting a hectic start to the transfer window. A £62.5m deal for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha is set to be completed after terms were agreed in the past week, while captain Bruno Fernandes has had his deadline for a potential move to join Al Hilal extended.
The Saudi club are willing to make the Portugal star one of the world’s best players but are determined for him to join ahead of next month’s Club World Cup. An initial deadline of last Thursday was set but the latest reports suggest he has until late next week to commit.
A three-year deal worth up to £200m in a salary is on offer with Al Hilal also expecting to pay a significant fee for Fernandes. He is reportedly giving serious thought to the offer.
Every member of United’s squad is available for transfer at the right price as the club counts the cost of their dismal campaign and no European football next season. Ruben Amorim’s squad requires a significant overhaul to meet the requirements of his 3-4-2-1 system.
But it is accepted that several sales are required to fund new signings. Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho are among those who appear likely to depart this summer.
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