Real Betis have turned down a €50 million approach for Brazilian attacker Antony, dealing a significant financial blow to Manchester United in the process.
When Manchester United offloaded Antony to the Spanish club, they negotiated a sell-on clause into the agreement to protect their long-term financial interests.
Had Real Betis accepted the €50 million bid, Manchester United would have been entitled to receive approximately €18 million from the sale.
That figure would have represented a meaningful injection of funds for the Premier League side as they look to strengthen their squad following Champions League qualification this season.
Manchester United’s need for reinforcements is well documented, with the club requiring additional attacking depth as well as a quality defensive midfielder to bolster their options.
The potential €18 million windfall from Antony’s sell-on clause could have contributed directly to funding those signings, making the news all the more frustrating for Old Trafford officials.
However, Real Betis have made it abundantly clear they have no intention of sanctioning Antony’s departure at this stage of the summer window.
The 26-year-old has become a key figure at the Seville-based club since his arrival, rediscovering the form and confidence that deserted him during his difficult time with Manchester United following his big-money move from Ajax.
Antony has also developed into a genuine fan favourite at Real Betis, and supporters will no doubt be relieved that the club have held firm against outside interest.
It remains to be seen whether interested parties will return with an improved offer capable of changing Real Betis’s position, though the Spanish outfit appear determined to keep hold of their prized Brazilian winger for now.
Manchester United will hope the sell-on clause eventually pays dividends, but for the moment, an €18 million opportunity has slipped through their fingers at a time when every available euro counts.
