SBOTOP: Antony Faces Major Pay Cut as Real Betis Continue Talks to Land Man Utd Outcast in Double Brazilian Deal

In a transfer window filled with surprises, Real Betis have emerged as a potential lifeline for Manchester United’s out-of-favour winger Antony, with the Spanish club reportedly advancing negotiations for a move that could see the Brazilian resurrect his career in La Liga. However, any switch to the Estadio Benito Villamarín will come at a steep personal cost for the player—most notably, a significant pay cut.

Betis, known for operating on a conservative budget compared to Europe’s financial elite, are also in talks to secure another Brazilian winger, in what’s shaping up to be a double swoop aimed at revitalizing their flanks and injecting fresh flair into their attack.

As sources close to both clubs confirm that discussions are ongoing, this report dives into the situation in depth—exploring why Antony’s Manchester United chapter may soon close, how Betis plan to structure the deal, and why the move could benefit all parties involved despite the financial complexities.

Antony at Manchester United A Pricey Misfire

Signed from Ajax in the summer of 2022 for a staggering £86 million, Antony was expected to be the crown jewel of Erik ten Hag’s revamped Manchester United project. Reunited with his former manager, the Brazilian was touted as a right-wing solution for a team long starved of consistent wide threats.

Fast forward two years, and the outlook is grim. Antony’s United spell has been marred by:

Inconsistent performances
Off-field controversies
A meagre goal return (just 9 goals in 82 appearances)
Limited impact in key matches

While moments of flair—his trademark inside-cut left-foot strikes—sparked some optimism in early appearances, the winger quickly regressed into predictability. Fans and pundits alike grew frustrated with his one-dimensional style, lack of physical presence, and poor decision-making in the final third.

Ten Hag publicly backed Antony on numerous occasions, but his patience appears to be running out. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS pushing for a squad overhaul this summer, Antony has reportedly been placed on the transfer list, and United are now actively listening to offers—though accepting a significant loss on their initial investment is inevitable.

Real Betis Enter the Frame Ambition Meets Opportunity

Real Betis, under manager Manuel Pellegrini, are quietly assembling a squad capable of challenging for European places once again after a middling 2024/25 season. Having lost several key attacking players, Betis have identified Antony as a potential low-cost, high-upside acquisition, provided Manchester United are willing to negotiate flexible terms.

Financial Challenges

The primary hurdle? Antony’s wages. At United, he reportedly earns close to £200,000 per week, a figure completely out of Betis’ wage structure, where even top earners make less than a quarter of that amount.

To facilitate a deal, sources close to Betis indicate:

The move would likely be a season-long loan with an option (not obligation) to buy.
Manchester United would need to subsidize at least 50% of Antony’s wages, unless the player agrees to a drastic salary reduction.
Betis want to include performance-based clauses tied to appearances, assists, and potential European qualification.

The Spanish side is also looking to leverage Antony’s desire for regular playing time and a fresh start, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and his place in Brazil’s national team in jeopardy.

Antony’s Side Willing to Sacrifice for Revival

According to reports from Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo and corroborated by Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola, Antony is open to the idea of a move to La Liga—even if it means sacrificing a major portion of his current salary.

A source close to the player revealed:

“Antony knows his situation at Manchester United is unsustainable. He’s looking for a club where he can feel important again. If that means lowering his salary, so be it. He wants to play football.”

This attitude represents a major shift for a player whose move to United was once seen as a symbol of his ascension to the sport’s elite. Now, he appears to be acknowledging the need to rebuild his reputation away from the spotlight of Old Trafford.

Betis’ Double Deal Another Brazilian in Sight

Antony isn’t the only Brazilian winger Betis are eyeing. The club is reportedly in talks with Shakhtar Donetsk’s Pedrinho, a 26-year-old right-sided attacker who could arrive on a free or cut-price deal due to the ongoing turmoil in Ukrainian football.

Why Two Brazilians

According to sporting director Ramón Planes, Betis are planning a full refresh of their wing options after the departures of Juanmi and the inconsistent performances of Luiz Henrique, who himself may be sold to fund new arrivals.

A double swoop for Antony and Pedrinho would:

Restore South American flair to the squad
Allow tactical flexibility in Pellegrini’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system
Provide cover in case one move doesn’t pan out

Both players are stylistically distinct—Antony a left-footed inverted winger reliant on finesse and movement, Pedrinho a more traditional dribbler with better crossing ability. Together, they offer complementary options.

Why This Move Makes Sense for All Parties

For Manchester United
- Reduces the wage bill significantly
- Offloads a player who has become surplus to requirements
- Avoids full transfer loss while keeping a resale option open
- Opens room for new signings (e.g., Michael Olise or a striker)
For Real Betis

Brings in a technically gifted winger who could thrive in a less physical, more tactical league
Commercial benefits from signing a player with global visibility
Adds depth and experience for a team aiming for top-six finish
For Antony

Chance to reignite his stalled career
Escape from the relentless media and fan pressure in England
Platform to impress Brazilian selectors ahead of 2026 World Cup

Obstacles Still to Overcome

While all parties seem interested, the deal is far from done. Key issues remain:

Wage Negotiations: Will United agree to pay a portion? Will Antony formally accept a slash?
Loan or Permanent?: Betis prefer a loan, but United might push for a straight sale with buy-back clauses.
Injury History: Betis’ medical staff are reportedly reviewing Antony’s injury record closely.
La Liga Quota Rules: Betis must manage their non-EU player slots carefully; Antony would occupy one.

If these issues can be resolved in the coming weeks, expect the deal to accelerate, particularly once United secure reinforcements for the right flank.

What Antony Could Offer Betis

Despite his underwhelming stint at Manchester United, Antony still possesses:

Excellent ball control under pressure
Quick feet in tight spaces
Strong link-up play in a possession-based system
Defensive tracking, often overlooked, which suits Pellegrini’s balanced style

In La Liga, where matches are slower-paced and tactical nuances are more prevalent, Antony could rediscover the form he once showed at Ajax.