Manchester United attacker Antony has suggested that he wants to complete a permanent move to a team in Spain this summer amid suggestions that Real Betis and Real Sociedad could go head-to-head for his signature.
Antony joined Real Betis on loan during the latter stages of the January transfer window, and he has been in excellent form the Seville club since his arrival, scoring four goals and registering four assists in 11 appearances.
As it stands, the Brazil international will return to Old Trafford this summer, but Antony has said that the warmer weather and nicer city has been vital to his upturn in form, suggesting that he has no desire to head back to Manchester.
“The city has also played a lot, which is better [than Manchester] and good here,” Antony told Spanish TV.
“I am very happy here with it. And the sun here helps a lot. You’re every day at noon, awake, listening to yourself, I go to sleep smiling and that’s the most important thing for me.”
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Antony has thrived since joining Real Betis on loan
Antony joined Man United in the summer of 2022 off the back of scoring 24 goals and registering 22 assists in 82 appearances for Ajax, but he has found it difficult to make his mark for the Red Devils.
The forward has only managed 12 goals and five assists in 96 matches for Man United, but he does have a contract with Ruben Amorim‘s side until June 2027, and his recent form will have boosted his price tag ahead of the summer.
Real Betis have made no secret of their desire to sign Antony on a permanent basis, but it is understood that Real Sociedad are also keen, so the South American could have options when it comes to remaining in Spain.
Man United’s financial situation could allegedly lead to as many as 10 first-team players departing this summer, with Antony among those expected to be available for transfer.
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Amorim recently dropped hint over Antony’s Man United future
Red Devils head coach Amorim recently said that Antony lacks the physicality to be a standout player in English football.
“When you play against any team in England, the physicality is there. If you don’t have physicality, you will struggle a lot,” Amorim told TNT Sports. “Antony is so much better now in Spain. It’s [because of] a lot of factors but I guarantee you it’s physicality.”
Antony’s agent Junior Pedroso hit back at those claims, telling Marca: “We respect the opinion of coach Ruben Amorim, but we completely disagree with his analysis [of the winger]. To attribute Antony’s lack of success at Manchester United solely to the question of physicality is a very superficial argument and does not reflect reality.”
However, it is difficult to imagine a route back for Antony at Old Trafford despite his strong form for Real Betis.
Antony scored once and registered an assist in Real Betis’ 4-0 victory over Vitoria de Guimaraes in the Conference League on Thursday night before taking to the field against Leganes in La Liga on Sunday, helping his side to record a 3-2 win.
