Football General Manager
- Betis keen to retain Antony
- Must find compromise with Man Utd
- Will walk away if no breakthrough
After a successful loan spell in Spain last season, Real Betis are keen to sign Antony permanently, but are struggling to find a breakthrough in negotiations with Manchester United. As a result, the La Liga side are now threatening to walk away from a potential deal.
Antony is part of the club’s ‘bomb squad’ left behind from the pre-season tour to find transfers away this summer. But after raising their asking price to £30million, Betis are becoming frustrated with the situation and have threatened to move on to other targets if United refuse to lower their valuation of the Brazilian.
Speaking on the situation, Betis president Angel Haro said: “From an economic standpoint, it has to fit within our parameters. A purchase depends on United’s price.nn
“A loan rather than a purchase is more feasible, given what Manchester wants to ask for. We’re assuming, and Betis is making efforts, that he can arrive, but if he doesn’t, I don’t want it to be seen as a failure. It’s difficult to bring in a player of this quality and such a high financial compensation.”
The ex-Ajax star would reportedly be keen on a move back to Betis, but Atletico Madrid are rivalling the club for his signature. A move to Spain looks on the cards for Antony, one way or the other.