"It is a possibility" - CEO teases summer move for £82m Manchester United star
Man Utd sent forward Antony out on loan in the January transfer window.
The CEO of Real Betis admits his side could make a permanent move for Manchester United ace Antony this summer after his bright start to life on loan with the club.
Antony was deemed surplus to requirements under head coach Ruben Amorim and was told he could leave the club on an initial loan deal last month. The 24-year-old moved to the Spanish club on a straight loan deal without the option to make it permanent, after Betis agreed to pay 84 percent of the forward's wages and performance-related bonuses.
The Brazilian forward has already enjoyed a bright start to life at his new club and scored a goal on his second appearance in a 3-2 away win over Celta Vigo. He will hope to keep his fine run going when they face Gent in the Europa Conference League later this week.
Betis consider permanent move for Antony
Speaking after the recent win over Celta Vigo, Betis chief Ramón Alarcón was quizzed on Antony's start to life at the club and whether there was a chance he could make his move permanent at the end of the season.
“I think so," he told Cadena Ser’s Radio Sevilla. "The other day the CEO of United called me. We sent them all the moves and details of the player throughout the week so that they can see that we are looking after their asset. There is very good chemistry with Manchester [United] and with the player. It is a possibility that he will continue next season, why not?”
Antony opens up on United struggles
Last week, Antony spoke for the first time since he left United on loan and admitted he had a difficult time at Old Trafford following his £82 million move from Ajax.
“Yes, I had proposals, but when Betis appeared, I felt a certainty in my heart that it was here,” Antony said. "I hope to achieve many goals and a thousand things. I feel very calm, confident, I’m very happy. I feel incredible, now I have to work every day to be at my best and play for the team.
“I had a difficult time, but we have to respect the process. My idea is to play everything and contribute with goals and assists, enjoy every day and help the team, the coach and everyone. “I spoke to the coach, the conversation was very good. I was also very calm because of that, in training and in the match, I was very calm because the conversation was very good. He gave me a lot of confidence and everyone knows the experience he has."