Man Utd handed huge Antony news from Spain as club 'willing' to agree mega-money deal

Manchester United winger Antony continued to impress with Real Betis over the weekend as he helped his loan club pick up a 1-1 draw at La Liga title hopefuls Barcelona.

It follows his involvment in the 2-1 victory over Sevilla in the Seville derby last weekend while he has also played a part in a 2-1 victory against Real Madrid and Betis’ progression into the last eight of the UEFA Europa Conference League.

The forward flopped at Old Trafford after an £86m move from Ajax in the summer of 2022, he scored just five goals in 62 Premier League appearances which led to United letting him join Betis on loan in January as he was no longer considered part of Ruben Amorim’s plans. United had hoped the Brazilian could gain some form which would allow them to sell him for a decent fee in the summer.

Antony form gives United dream summer scenario

Reports last week indicated that Antony’s upturn in form since moving to La Liga has given United confidence they can bank a transfer fee of £40m for him this summer. In a window that will require the club to sell players before they can complete deals for their desired targets, moving on the likes of Antony and Marcus Rashford for decent transfer fees will prove decisive to the Red Devils’ incoming business.

Real Betis are keen for Antony to extend his stay at the club but they are likely to be priced out of a move. They have reportedly suggested taking Antony on loan for a full season while covering more of his wages - but would need to qualify for the Champions League to afford it. Newer reports from Spain last week claimed Betis would be willing to pay £29m to £33m amid interest from other clubs - such as Spanish rivals Atletico Madrid.

Atletico preparing mega-money offer for Antony

Last week it was claimed that Atletico would be willing to sign Antony to add “depth and dynamism” to the Madrid outfit’s attacking options. Now it has been reported by Fichajes what the Madrid club would be willing to pay in order to secure the deal.

Diego Simeone’s side are said to be ready to pay €45m (£38.4m) up front while including an extra €30m (£25.6m) in add-ons. It is a surprise development in Antony’s future and United would likely be willing to accept below that offer come the summer as they seek to raise the funds to provide Amorim with the players he needs to take United forward.

In order not to make a loss on the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules, United would need to sell Antony for £32.52m this summer but Atletico’s total reported offer could be worth almost double that figure - if all add-ons were to be met. Antony has found it easier to adapt to life in Spain compared to England and despite his upturn in form - the Red Devils board are not being swayed with their plan to move him on permanently come the end of the season.

Rather than considering keeping Antony, United will feel his form has made his exit this summer more straightforward and more profitable for the club.