Real Betis Pulls Plug on Antony Deal

Real Betis has officially withdrawn its transfer offer for Manchester United winger Antony, bringing an abrupt halt to negotiations that had earlier hinted at a potential agreement. The Spanish club has cited significant financial hurdles, particularly the player's substantial wage demands and Manchester United's reluctance to incur costs for his contract termination, as the reasons for the breakdown.

Initial reports suggested that a deal was close, with figures circulating around an initial €25 million, potentially rising to €31 million with add-ons, and including a 50% sell-on clause for the Premier League giants. However, Real Betis swiftly moved to quash these rumors, issuing formal statements to English media outlets.

A statement released by the club unequivocally declared, “There is no agreement and we have withdrawn the transfer offer because Real Betis can’t afford the transfer fee and the amounts that Manchester United must [instead] pay the player before the transfer.”

The core of the issue revolves around Antony's wage expectations. The Brazilian international reportedly seeks significant compensation to agree to a contract termination from Manchester United, where he currently earns a reported £6 million per season. Real Betis had expressed a desire for Manchester United to settle these terms with Antony, a request the English club has been unwilling to meet. Manchester United appears hesitant to incur substantial costs simply to facilitate the player's departure.

While Manchester United reportedly remains hopeful that a compromise can still be reached, speculating that Betis's move might be a negotiation tactic, the clock is rapidly ticking down towards the looming transfer deadline, adding urgency to Antony's uncertain future at Old Trafford.