Real Betis has suspended negotiations with Manchester United regarding the transfer of Antony to the club. The reason lies in Betis’ proposed plan being rejected by Manchester United; the English club insists on accepting only a direct sale worth close to €40 million, a figure completely unaffordable for Betis.
Furthermore, Betis would also need to bear the full burden of the player’s high wages, which similarly falls outside the club’s financial framework. As a result, the growing optimism that had been building in the negotiations was disrupted, and both parties decided to take a temporary step back to cool off after the talks collapsed.
Following the trip by Araujo and Fajardo to Manchester for talks, the two sides’ positions seemed to be inching closer. However, Betis had consistently emphasized that this deal would be “extremely difficult” to pull off. Despite reports in the English media citing specific agreement figures, no such deal actually existed.
Upon learning of Manchester United’s stance, Betis reassessed the situation and, in light of its own financial constraints, sought to develop a viable proposal—especially considering Antony himself is firmly eager to return to the club.
Yet this proposal still failed to gain Manchester United’s acceptance. The Red Devils are demanding an unconditional direct transfer worth close to €40 million, as they aim to cash in on Antony’s improved performance during his loan spell at Betis since January.
Collapses in such negotiations are not uncommon towards the end of the transfer window, but the current situation now lies in Manchester United’s hands. Antony not only occupies a significant portion of the club’s wage bill but is also unwilling to remain with the team; Manchester United has even threatened to ban him from the first-team squad (send him to the stands) if he rejects the existing transfer offers. Meanwhile, suitors like Fenerbahçe have withdrawn from the race after failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Next, it remains to be seen whether the two sides will attempt to restart negotiations before the Monday night deadline. Betis has always maintained a cautious attitude towards this deal and is well aware that the complexity of the talks is in line with Antony’s status as a top-tier player.
As reported by camel.live, Betis submitted a final proposal in the last few hours in an attempt to complete Antony’s signing. However, with Manchester United refusing to consider another loan deal and insistent on securing substantial financial returns, Betis can only put forward new ideas after a detailed assessment of the deal’s feasibility. The key to whether this buyout offer can finally take shape lies in whether it aligns with Betis’ financial framework while complying with La Liga’s financial regulations—and this is an indispensable condition that Manchester United is adhering to.
