Real Betis are in urgent talks with Manchester United in hopes of bringing Brazilian forward Anthony back to the club.
Although Betis are interested in continuing to loan Anthony for the season, a series of complex conditions must be met to make this happen. Over the past three months, Betis have been aware that the deal would not be finalized early in the summer window, and their plans are progressing steadily, entirely thanks to Anthony’s firm determination to return to the club.
Despite Manchester United’s series of pressure tactics—including excluding him from the first-team squad in pre-season and even threatening to leave him on the sidelines long-term—his stance remains unchanged. Anthony has rejected all other transfer options, even though some offers have approached United’s €40m asking price.
With less than two weeks left until the transfer window closes, Anthony has once again cut off any possibility of returning to United, only hoping to be allowed to go back to Betis. He has clearly stated that he only wants to join the club and is even willing to wait until the last minute of the transfer window.
Recent communications from the player’s agent have further reduced United’s negotiating leverage, forcing the club to seriously consider two proposals from Betis: first, another loan deal with Betis covering a higher proportion of his salary; second, selling 50% ownership for approximately €20m, with joint ownership by both clubs but sporting control belonging to Betis.
United could still try to keep Anthony, but new manager Amorim did not even include him in the matchday squad for the opening Premier League game against Arsenal. Although the final decision remains with United, the situation is clearly moving in a direction favorable to Betis.
