The real Betis reportedly retracted his offer to transfer to Antony in a dramatic twist to the story. The winger is leaning widely for Manchester United as it was considered a surplus in the requirements ahead of Monday’s deadline. A return to Betis looked the most likely option after his successful Lawn Spelling at the Laliga Club last season.
It was reported before Friday that United had accepted the offer in the £21.6 million area. The deal includes an additional £2.5 million in performance-related bonuses, with the Red Devils also inserting a 50% sell-on clause. However, the move appears to be seriously suspected that Betis will stall the numbers involved.
According to BBC Sport, they retracted their offer after deciding they could not afford transfer fees. It is also said that Betis is refusing to pay the additional payments Antony should have received.
He still has two years left on his contract at Old Trafford, which is considered to be worth around £6 million a year. He faces wage cuts in Betis, and says athletics are looking for ways to secure the near £4 million shortfall he encounters.
Betis is reportedly reluctant to go higher to cover that amount. That is, the proposed transfer is placed in scope.
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United are said to believe it is simply a negotiation tactic from Betis. Betis hopes to return to the table on Monday before the transfer window closes.
It is still unclear how things will unfold over the weekend, and the time between the two clubs is running out of contracts being struck.
Antony was impressed with his loan at Betis last season, scoring nine goals in 26 games following the loan move in January. Looking back at his spell, he told the Brazilian media that he found happiness there after some difficult years at United.
“I always say there have been good moments, but I have had very difficult moments, not just on the field, but also off the field,” he said in May.
“I went through very difficult times there and I had a huge impact on me, but I am very grateful for even these difficult moments I have experienced. Today I feel much more mature and much more prepared.
“It was the moment when I thought about quitting playing, and I had been silent for so long that I no longer felt the desire to play football for everything I was going through.
“(My career) has changed a lot (at Betis). That has changed a lot because I have to find myself for everything I have experienced there in my life.”
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