Real Betis has confirmed that the transfer of Antony is off unless Manchester United pays the exit fee or the player reduces his demands

Real Betis has officially announced their withdrawal from negotiations concerning the transfer of Antony, unless Manchester United agrees to pay an exit fee or the player reconsiders his salary demands. This unexpected turn of events occurred mere hours after a transfer package valued at £21.6 million ($29 million) had been tentatively accepted. The La Liga club expressed their inability to meet the significant financial obligations that were part of the arrangement with Manchester United.

Initially, United had granted the 25-year-old Brazilian forward permission to travel to Spain to finalize contract details. The details of the arrangement involved not only the substantial £21.6 million fee but also a notable 50 percent sell-on clause. Up until this point, everything seemed to be in order, but discussions about Antony’s wage expectations and severance pay quickly became contentious. His representatives maintained that there remained a discrepancy regarding his wages that needed addressing before any contracts could be signed. On the other hand, Real Betis made clear that they were not in a position to absorb the total financial demands associated with the deal.

In their statement, Betis did not shy away from expressing their stance. They unequivocally stated, “There is no agreement, and we have withdrawn the transfer offer because Real Betis can’t afford the transfer fee and the amounts that Manchester United must pay the player before the transfer can occur.” This direct communication underscores the financial hurdles currently facing Real Betis as they navigate this situation.

Conversely, the atmosphere within Old Trafford is quite different. According to The Daily Mail, officials at Manchester United are interpreting Betis’ withdrawal as a mere tactic in negotiations, aimed at pressuring Antony to adjust his personal demands. The perception among United officials is that Betis still has a keen interest in securing the player and are anticipating that the winger will eventually accept a severance package from United that would lessen the overall financial burden of the transfer.

Since Antony’s arrival from Ajax for a substantial fee of £85 million ($114 million), the Brazilian has encountered significant challenges at Old Trafford. Despite achieving the notable milestones of winning both the FA Cup and the League Cup during his time at the club, his individual contributions have left much to be desired, particularly given his extravagant price tag. Over the course of 96 matches with United, Antony has found the back of the net just 12 times and provided nine assists, a performance level that contrasts sharply with the expectations for a player acquired for such a high fee.

However, it’s worth noting that during his loan spell earlier this year, Antony appeared revitalized. He scored five goals in La Liga and assisted on two other goals in just 15 starts, demonstrating a level of form that had many optimistic about his potential. His early performances even earned him a nomination for Player of the Month, spotlighting his ability to excel when given the right circumstances.

Now, with two years remaining on his contract, Antony finds himself in an uncomfortable position. Real Betis maintains that they cannot move forward without adjusting the financial terms of the deal, while Manchester United grows increasingly hesitant to retain a player whose future may lie elsewhere. As the transfer window approaches its conclusion, both clubs seem to be engaged in a high-stakes game of negotiation, each waiting for the other to make a significant concession that could facilitate Antony’s transfer. The next few days are likely to be pivotal, as both sides must navigate their differences and strive to find a mutually beneficial resolution to the impasse.