Manchester United might be stuck with Antony as things stand, following Real Betis’ withdrawal of their offer.
The La Liga side had initially agreed a deal worth an initial 25 million with an additional 3 million in potential add-ons.
The Red Devils had also negotiated hard to include a 50 per cent sell-on clause since their initial demand of 40 million was not being met.
However, Antony’s wage demands and the unwillingness of all parties to come to a consensus regarding the wage packet have meant the deal is currently off.
Betis Statement The Spanish side have now come up with a statement to explain their stance.
“Betis Statement: “There is no agreement and we have withdrawn the transfer offer because Real Betis can’t afford the transfer fee and the amounts that Manchester United must [instead] pay the player before the transfer.”
Betis Statement: “There is no agreement and we have withdrawn the transfer offer because Real Betis can’t afford the transfer fee and the amounts that Manchester United must [instead] pay the player before the transfer.” https://t.co/xK1vaoa0c1
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 29, 2025
Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that INEOS feel this is a negotiating tactic from Betis to ensure United lower their overall demands.
Antony has two years left on his current 6 million per year contract, with Betis unlikely to pay as much.
The Brazilian was hoping for United to pay a severance package as he is in no mood to lower his demands while the Red Devils wanted all three parties to compromise and meet in the middle so that they would not have to pay the majority.
Antony x Betis saga which as taken a dramatic turn this evening.
– Manchester United accepted a 25m package that included a 50% sell-on.
– #MUFC then gave Antony permission to travel and finalise terms.
– However, Betis feel they can’t match Antony’s desired wage. They want a pic.twitter.com/HynvnMIRsT
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 29, 2025
Betis have reportedly made it clear they will not pay a single penny, thereby complicating the whole procedure.
Stand-off between all parties “United hope it is a negotiating tactic. Betis claim United must come back to them with a lower overall package. It’s a stand-off between the two clubs.
“Unclear if Antony will also now lower his terms to make the move happen,” Jacobs wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
United are desperate to get rid, which is why they had compromised in the first place. Antony’s role in all of this will not have pleased INEOS. The Brazilian is getting his dream move, yet he is not willing to compromise.
If the player does not budge, the co-owners should also stand firm and make an example out of him. For too long, the 20-time English league champions have suffered when it comes to outgoings. They must change it.
This stand-off is expected to continue until deadline day and it will be interesting to see which party blinks first.
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Ayantan Chowdhury Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
