Manchester United have now reportedly named their price demands for Antony, who has been the subject of interest from another La Liga side while he thrives at Real Betis.
The 25-year-old has taken to Spain like a duck to water since temporarily leaving Old Trafford in January, having a direct hand in 10 goals in his first 19 appearances for Manuel Pellegrini‘s team.
Antony’s latest critical contribution for Betis came in Thursday’s Conference League first leg against Fiorentina, scoring his side’s second goal in a pivotal 2-1 success on home soil.
Pellegrini’s side are now just 90 minutes away from a final date with either Chelsea or Djurgardens IF, and Antony has now had a direct hand in five goals from seven European appearances for the club.
Furthermore, the Brazilian has a respectable three goals and two assists to show from 12 La Liga appearances, but as his Betis agreement does not include a permanent option or obligation, he is due to return to Old Trafford once the season is over.
Man United to accept as little as £34.1m for Antony?
Betis are known to be interested in keeping Antony permanently or at least on another season-long loan, but there are fears that Man United’s asking price could prohibit the Verdiblancos from doing a deal.
The Red Devils’ demands have apparently now been revealed, as El Chiringuito claims that the club will listen to offers between €40m (£34.1m) and €50m (£42.6m) for the attacker this summer.
Should Man United accept a bid in the lower region of that range, they could be accepting a loss of over £50m on the former Ajax man, who has allegedly been the subject of an enquiry from Atletico Madrid.
Diego Simeone‘s side should have no trouble bowing to Man United’s financial demands, as the Red Devils seek to finally rid themselves of a player who has failed to justify his extortionate price tag.
Antony has only mustered 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances for the 20-time English champions, and he remains one of the top 20 most expensive players of all time.
Betis legend jokes about ‘kidnapping’ Antony from Man United
While Antony has averaged just 0.13 direct goal contributions a game for Man United, his mean for Real Betis is 0.52 per game, even if he has played significantly fewer matches for the Spanish side.
Nevertheless, the attacker’s revival under Pellegrini’s wing is unquestionable after he inherited the throne formerly belonging to Joaquin, the legendary former Betis attacker who retired last year just before his 42nd birthday.
Joaquin – who totalled a staggering 498 appearances for Betis – joked to the media on Thursday that he would take Antony from Man United against his will to ensure that he remained at the club next season.
“I’ll provide the car if he has to be kidnapped, but let him stay no matter what. This is the moment to enjoy. I think important moments will come, and we’ll see later,” Joaquin said.
As Antony is highly unlikely to get back into Ruben Amorim‘s good books, Joaquin’s wish may come true, but only if Real Betis are willing to shell out a considerable sum of money.
