Manchester United, Real Betis Reach Agreement in Principle for Antony Loan

Manchester United and Real Betis have reached an agreement in principle for Brazilian winger Antony to return to Betis on a season-long loan for the 2025-26 campaign, with an option or obligation to make the deal permanent in 2026. Antony, who was signed by United for £82 million in 2022, struggled to replicate his form at Old Trafford but had a successful loan spell at Betis last season, scoring nine goals in 26 appearances and helping the club reach the Europa Conference League final. Despite interest from other clubs including Fenerbahce and Bayer Leverkusen, Antony preferred a return to Betis, where he has a good relationship with coach Manuel Pellegrini. Antony has been excluded from Manchester United’s first-team plans under manager Ruben Amorim and was left out of the preseason squad, signaling the club's willingness to let him go. Both clubs are hopeful a deal will be finalized before the transfer deadline, with positive talks progressing and financial terms expected to exceed Betis’ previous record transfer fee. This move is seen as the likely end of Antony’s disappointing tenure at Manchester United and the start of a new chapter in his career at Real Betis.