Antony has completed a permanent transfer to Real Betis from Manchester United for a reported €25 million. After a mixed spell at Old Trafford, Antony impressed during a loan stint with Betis, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 26 appearances. This move allows him to revitalize his career in La Liga, while Manchester United continues to reshape their squad. Additional departures include Rasmus Hojlund on loan to Napoli and Harry Amass on loan to Sheffield Wednesday.
Manchester United winger Antony has officially completed a permanent transfer to Real Betis, marking the end of his tenure at Old Trafford. The agreement between the two clubs finalizes a deal reportedly worth €25 million (£21.7 million), which includes a 50% sell-on clause, indicating Manchester United's continued interest in the Brazilian's future development. This move comes after Antony's successful loan spell with the Spanish side during the second half of the 2024-25 season, where he revitalized his career under the guidance of manager Manuel Pellegrini.
Antony's journey to Manchester United began with a high-profile £82 million (€95 million) transfer from Ajax in 2022. However, his time in England did not fully meet expectations, as he recorded 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances across all competitions. Despite flashes of brilliance, he struggled to consistently replicate the form that had made him one of Europe's most sought-after talents. The loan move to Real Betis provided a fresh start for the 25-year-old, and he quickly seized the opportunity to showcase his abilities in La Liga.
During his loan stint at Real Betis, Antony played a pivotal role in the team's success, helping them reach the Conference League final. In 26 appearances across all competitions, he scored nine goals and provided five assists, demonstrating his attacking prowess and creativity. His performances not only boosted Betis's attacking options but also rekindled his confidence and form. The permanent move to Betis now offers Antony the chance to build on this momentum and establish himself as a key player in the Spanish league.
Antony has moved to Real Betis in a permanent transfer.
We thank Antony for his efforts during his time as a Red and wish him the best of luck for the future
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 1, 2025
Since joining Betis, Antony's impact has been significant. He has created 37 chances in La Liga, ranking him among the top creators in the league during that period. Additionally, his 24 completed dribbles highlight his ability to take on defenders and create opportunities for his teammates. These statistics underline the creative spark and attacking flair that Antony brings to the Real Betis squad.
Despite having two years remaining on his contract at Manchester United, Antony's omission from the pre-season tour of the United States under new manager Ruben Amorim signaled a potential change in direction. He had been training separately from the main squad, alongside other players like Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho, who has been linked with a loan move to Aston Villa. The decision to let Antony go permanently reflects Manchester United's strategy to reshape their squad and provide opportunities for other players.
In addition to Antony's departure, Manchester United confirmed two other moves on Monday. Rasmus Hojlund has returned to Italy, joining Serie A champions Napoli on a season-long loan deal. Furthermore, 18-year-old defender Harry Amass has been loaned to Championship side Sheffield Wednesday for the 2025-26 campaign. These moves indicate Manchester United's focus on developing young talent and providing them with valuable experience in different leagues.
Antony's permanent transfer to Real Betis represents a new chapter in his career. He now has the opportunity to showcase his talents in a league that suits his playing style and to work under a manager who believes in his abilities. For Real Betis, the acquisition of Antony strengthens their squad and provides them with a dynamic attacking option as they aim to compete in La Liga and in European competitions. The deal benefits all parties involved, allowing Antony to revive his career, Real Betis to enhance their squad, and Manchester United to streamline their resources.
The move also highlights the evolving dynamics of the transfer market, where clubs are increasingly willing to invest in players who can make an immediate impact. Antony's success on loan with Betis demonstrated his potential to thrive in the Spanish league, making the permanent move a logical step for both the player and the club. As he embarks on this new journey, Antony will be eager to prove his worth and establish himself as one of La Liga's top performers, fulfilling the promise he showed earlier in his career.