Manchester United’s January transfer plans are heating up, with Antony’s potential departure drawing closer as Real Betis position themselves to secure the winger on loan.
The move hinges on a critical player sale from the Spanish side, and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has provided key updates on this evolving saga.
Antony, a marquee signing under Erik ten Hag, has struggled to meet expectations, and United are now willing to offload the Brazilian in a bid to recalibrate their squad. While the Red Devils would prefer a permanent sale, they’re open to a loan deal that could reduce the wage bill and set the stage for a summer exit. Real Betis have emerged as frontrunners, showing a keen interest in Antony and reportedly ready to shoulder a significant portion of his £200,000-a-week salary.
The sticking point for Betis is financial flexibility, but that obstacle is about to be cleared. According to Romano, the Spanish side is finalizing the sale of winger Assane Diao to Italian club Como for a package exceeding €11m. This move, facilitated in part by Como manager Cesc Fabregas’s direct involvement, will provide the financial breathing room Betis need to make their play for Antony.
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Sources suggest that Betis view Antony as a transformational signing, with the club’s management fully backing the move. As soon as Assane’s deal is finalized, all eyes will turn to the negotiations between Betis and United, with the expectation that a deal for Antony will swiftly follow.
For United, Antony’s potential departure is part of a broader strategy to streamline the squad and create space for new additions. The club’s transfer ambitions hinge on trimming the wage bill, with several high-profile players reportedly on the chopping block.
Who Else Could Leave Old Trafford?
Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen are two players whose futures are under scrutiny. Both are out of contract at the end of the season, and while United would prefer to secure transfer fees, they’re also open to loan moves if it means reducing the wage burden.
Casemiro, United’s highest earner at £350,000-a-week, is another player whose name has surfaced in transfer talks. The veteran midfielder’s form has waned, and discussions are reportedly underway for a move to the Saudi Pro League, where his profile and experience could attract lucrative offers.
Perhaps the most surprising name linked with a potential exit is Marcus Rashford. The Times recently reported that Amorim has received board backing to cash in on Rashford, who is rumored to be open to a new challenge. While a move to Spain is reportedly his preference, financial constraints at Barcelona and Atletico Madrid make a domestic transfer within the Premier League more plausible.
Sancho’s Future All but Decided
One departure that seems inevitable is Jadon Sancho. Currently on a season-long loan at Chelsea, the agreement includes a conditional obligation to buy for £25m if the Blues finish 14th or higher in the Premier League. With Chelsea currently sitting comfortably in the top four, Sancho’s move appears a foregone conclusion.
United’s January Reinforcements: A Wing-Back in Sight
On the incoming front, Manchester United have identified a critical need for a left wing-back, and recent developments have aligned in their favor. Contract talks between PSG and Nuno Mendes have reportedly broken down, making the Portuguese international available.
Mendes, who thrived under Amorim at Sporting CP, is said to be eager to reunite with his former manager at Old Trafford. However, for United to act on this opportunity, they must first finalize outgoing transfers, including Antony’s potential move to Betis.
What’s Next for Antony?
As Assane Diao’s transfer nears completion, Real Betis are preparing to ramp up their efforts to bring Antony to LaLiga. The Brazilian winger’s future now seems increasingly tied to Betis’s ability to close this crucial sale.
For Manchester United, Antony’s departure could mark the beginning of a transformative January window. The club’s ability to offload high earners and reinvest wisely will be critical in shaping the remainder of their season and beyond. With moves like Nuno Mendes potentially on the horizon, the stakes are higher than ever at Old Trafford.