Antony seals permanent move to Real Betis after forgetful Manchester United spell

After a rollercoaster three years in Manchester, Antony has finally found a place where he can breathe and thrive again. Manchester United confirmed on Monday that the Brazilian winger has completed a permanent transfer to Real Betis, ending a challenging chapter at Old Trafford. The deal, reported to be worth 25 million euros (21.7 million) and including a 50 percent sell-on clause, gives Antony a fresh start in Spain with a club where he previously thrived on loan.

Once hailed as one of United’s marquee signings, Antony’s Old Trafford chapter never quite ignited. Despite arriving for a reported 82 million pounds (95 million) in 2022, the Brazilian struggled to make a lasting impact, scoring just 12 goals and providing five assists in 96 appearances. His final stretch at the club was a low point—omitted from Ruben Amorim’s US pre-season tour and training away from the main squad alongside sidelined players like Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho.

But Antony’s loan spell at Betis in the latter half of the 2024-25 season was a stark contrast. Under Manuel Pellegrini, he rediscovered his rhythm, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 26 matches, helping the Andalusian side reach the Europa Conference League final. Statistically, Antony impressed as well: only five players in La Liga had created more chances than his 37, and he completed 24 successful dribbles over the course of the campaign.

Antony himself opened up about his struggles in England in a May interview with TNT Sports Brazil, revealing the emotional toll his United spell had taken. He said he had gone days without eating, feeling disconnected from the game.

Antony joins a wave of departures from Manchester United this summer, following Rasmus Hojlund, who secured a loan move to Napoli, while Jadon Sancho is reportedly on his way out. Alejandro Garnacho has already completed a permanent move to Chelsea. United have also bolstered their attacking options with the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, giving Ruben Amorim fresh firepower to replace the outgoing forwards.

Antony joins a wave of departures from Manchester United this summer, following Rasmus Hojlund, who secured a loan move to Napoli, while Jadon Sancho is reportedly on his way out. Alejandro Garnacho has already completed a permanent move to Chelsea. United have also bolstered their attacking options with the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, giving Ruben Amorim fresh firepower to replace the outgoing forwards.

Now, fully joining Betis, Antony has the chance to build on that promising loan spell. The Spanish side, competing in both La Liga and the Europa League this season, will look to the winger to provide creativity, goals, and experience as they push for a strong campaign. For Antony, it’s a return to a setting where he felt valued and effective, a vital step in reviving a career that had briefly faltered in the glare of expectations at Manchester United.