Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has said that “it won’t be easy” for his side to sign Antony on a permanent basis this summer.
The Brazilian made the move to the Green and Whites on loan from Manchester United during the January transfer window, and he has been in excellent form for the La Liga club.
Antony has scored four goals and registered four assists in 12 appearances for the Seville outfit, and he has played a huge role in the team’s recent upturn in form, which has seen them post six straight La Liga wins.
Real Betis are now preparing to head to Barcelona on Saturday night for what is shaping up to be a blockbuster affair, and Antony is again set to be named in the starting side for the European hopefuls.
Pellegrini has confirmed that his team are hoping to sign Antony on a permanent basis during this summer’s transfer window, but the ex-Manchester City head coach has said that it will be a complicated assignment.
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Pellegrini: ‘Antony deal will not be easy’
“We’ve all seen what Antony has done here with the team, and I hope he can stay, although we know it won’t be easy,” Pellegrini told reporters ahead of the clash with Barcelona.
“He’s fitted in very well with the team’s collective play and has had important individual performances. I think the important thing now for Antony and everyone else is to focus on winning the next three points and trying to achieve a bigger goal, which of course would perhaps change the club’s financial situation, playing in the Champions League or reaching higher levels in European competitions.
“And based on that reality, we’ll then see what the best squad is to face next season.”
Antony has scored twice and registered two assists in eight La Liga appearances since his arrival, while he has also managed two goals and two assists in four Conference League outings for the Seville club.
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How much will Antony cost this summer?
Antony’s impressive form is good news for Man United ahead of the summer transfer window, with the Red Devils able to set a higher price, and it is believed that the club are hoping to recoup around £40m by selling the South American.
Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad have also been credited with an interest in the forward, who recently suggested that he is expecting to leave Man United during the summer transfer window.
“If they pay that kind of money for you, it’s because you have talent and quality. Wherever I go, I’ll always speak highly of United,” Antony told DAZN.
“I’m very grateful to the club and to Erik ten Hag for what we experienced together, for the titles, and for everything I’ve learned. I had difficult times there, but also very good ones. I think it prepared me to be here today, enjoying myself.
“My mind is here, and I’m very happy. I found myself, I needed to find myself and be happy. I needed my family to be happy too. Every day that goes by I see that it was the best decision I could have made.
“I’m enjoying the city, the club and everything. It reminds me a lot of Brazil because of the sun, the food, the people are also very happy. All of that is important for someone like me who is used to it.”
Antony has scored 12 times and registered five assists in 96 appearances in all competitions for Man United, and he has a contract with the 20-time English champions until the summer of 2027.
