Real Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo has indicated that a permanent move for Manchester United‘s Antony depends on whether the Spanish club can secure Champions League football.
Antony struggled to produce his best form at Old Trafford ever since he completed an £85m transfer from Dutch giants Ajax.
The Brazilian made 96 competitive appearances for the Red Devils, mustering 12 goals and five assists before he moved on loan to Betis in the recent January transfer window.
Antony has made a positive impact in his short time in Spain, scoring four goals and providing four assists in 11 matches in all competitions.
Betis will be pleased with Antony’s form since he arrived from England, while the player has admitted that he is “very happy” at the Benito Villamarin.
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Betis chief addresses Antony future
However, there is no option in Antony’s loan agreement for Betis to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo has hinted that the Spanish club will be able to pursue a permanent transfer if they can secure Champions League football.
Fajardo told Marca: “In Betis’ sporting department, we work on ‘devalued’ players, analysing data from players who have reached very high moments and peaks, but who for various reasons have significantly decreased their performance.
“We are concerned about their situation and speak with major clubs. In his case, we were able to anticipate and convince the player, and his entourage.
“Today, Antony is performing immediately from minute one in the squad. We haven’t lost our enthusiasm, we can’t rule out anything in football, and hopefully Real Betis will remain in the top European positions to benefit his continuity and the arrival of other great players.”
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How close are Betis to La Liga’s Champions League spots?
Betis are currently sitting in sixth place in the standings after winning 12, drawing eight and losing eight of their 28 league matches this season.
With 10 games to play, there is a sizeable eight-point gap separating Manuel Pellegrini‘s side from fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao.
However, Betis might not have to finish in the top four finish to qualify for the Champions League because there is a strong chance that fifth place could be enough to secure a spot in UEFA’s elite club competition.
As it stands, England and Spain are on course to earn an extra Champions League spot, with the two countries currently boasting the best average coefficient scores for the 2024-25 campaign.
At the moment, Betis are level on 44 points with Villarreal in fifth position, although the Yellow Submarine have a game in hand over Los Verdiblancos.
