Antony set to travel to Spain today to finalize his loan move to Real Betis, while two sources hint at Manchester United’s plans for a replacement signing. A busy end to the January window is expected, with several arrivals and departures in the works.
One departure already confirmed is Antony’s. The Brazilian winger, 24, has struggled to live up to his £86m price tag (including add-ons) and has been given the green light to leave on loan.
Real Betis has reached agreements with both Antony and Manchester United for a six-month loan, with no option or obligation to buy.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano broke the news earlier this week, tweeting: ‘Antony to Real Betis, here we go! Verbal agreement in place between all parties. Documents being checked; then time for travel and medical tests. United will let him leave on loan with no buy clause. He’ll return to United in June.’
Although the deal was finalised four days ago, Antony remains in Manchester, having been named on the bench for United’s Europa League match against Rangers on Thursday.
Spanish outlet Diario de Sevilla, along with Fabrizio Romano, have provided insight into why Antony’s loan move has been delayed. Both sources claim Manchester United and Real Betis paused the deal until a suitable replacement for the winger is either signed or lined up.
Romano reported on X: ‘Verbal agreement on loan remains done and not in danger, while United work on replacement.’
Diario de Sevilla added: ‘This shortage of attackers, precisely, is what motivates Amorim not to unblock Antony’s definitive departure.’
According to the latest update from Fabrizio Romano on Friday afternoon, Antony has now been given the green light to travel to Spain and complete his loan move to Real Betis.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed the latest development: ‘Here we go! Antony travels to Seville tonight to join Real Betis from Man Utd! Green light after documents approved, loan move until June with NO buy-back clause; salary shared.’
Romano also dropped a hint about the replacement: ‘Man Utd remain in active talks with Lecce for Patrick Dorgu.’
As for the replacement, Antony’s move has cleared the way for Manchester United to focus on strengthening their wing-back positions, which are key in coach Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation. Respected journalist Matteo Moretto reports that United have agreed personal terms with Dorgu, a left-footed winger. Lecce are willing to sell for €40m, though United’s initial bid of €27m plus add-ons was rejected. However, both Moretto and Romano suggest an improved bid of over €30m is ‘imminent’.
