Manchester United set to lose £60m on Antony as he closes in on deadline day exit

Antony’s permanent move to Real Betis for £21.6m signals a fresh start and a significant financial loss for Manchester United. For bettors, Betis’ attacking markets may shorten — consider Antony anytime-scorer or Betis win/over 1.5 goals markets as potential value in early LaLiga fixtures.

Antony completes permanent move to Real Betis

Antony has completed a permanent transfer from Manchester United to Real Betis in a deal worth £21.6m — £19m guaranteed plus £2.6m in add-ons. Manchester United will retain a 50% sell-on clause and the player will not receive a payoff as part of the transfer.

How the deal came together

The transfer looked dead on more than one occasion after Betis temporarily withdrew over fee and wage concerns, but the clubs ultimately agreed a revised structure to push the move through. The signing reunites Antony with familiar surroundings after a successful loan spell in Andalusia.

Financial blow for Manchester United

United face a hefty loss after originally paying around £81.3m to sign Antony from Ajax in 2022. The winger struggled to justify that fee at Old Trafford, producing just 17 goal contributions in 96 appearances across all competitions.

Antony’s form at Betis

During his loan at Betis, Antony showed improved output, scoring nine goals and adding five assists in 26 appearances. He also started in Betis’ European final display, where his visible emotion underlined the positive impact the move had on him personally.

Broader squad overhaul at Manchester United

Antony’s exit is part of a wider summer clear-out as the club trims its squad. Several high-profile players were moved away from first-team duties to reshape wage structure and generate transfer funds. Other exits this window have included both permanent moves and loans as the club reloads under new management.

Transfer ripple effects

With multiple attacking options departing or linked with moves, United’s forward depth has been reduced, prompting fresh recruitment questions and tactical adjustments ahead of the season.

United’s season so far: mixed start

Manchester United’s early results have been inconsistent: a league defeat to Arsenal, a 1-1 draw with Fulham where Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty, and a shock penalty-shootout exit to lower-league opposition in the cup. The side did secure a dramatic 3-2 win over Burnley thanks to a 97th-minute penalty from Fernandes.

Betting market implications

Antony’s permanent switch should lift Betis’ attacking outlook in the short term, potentially shortening Betis win and over-goals markets in LaLiga. Punters might find value in Antony anytime-scorer or goal-involvement props early in the campaign. Conversely, United’s attacking instability could temper confidence in their goal markets until new recruits settle.

Fast tips for punters

Consider small, targeted stakes: Antony to score or assist in his first few LaLiga matches, Betis to win or over 1.5 goals in early fixtures, and exercise caution on long-term United attacking props until the squad shapes up.

Antony has finally secured himself an escape route of Old Trafford.Luckily for the Brazilian, it is a route takes him to familiar surroundings.Antony

Talksport