Betis reject €50m Antony bid, denying Manchester United a sell-on windfall

Real Betis have rejected a €50m approach for Antony, denying Manchester United a substantial payout from the sell-on clause built into the winger’s permanent transfer to the Seville club. According to Sport Witness, Betis turned down the offer outright, leaving United without the windfall they had structured into the deal.

United originally signed Antony from Ajax in 2022 for a reported £81.3m, making him one of the most expensive wingers in Premier League history. The Brazilian never justified that outlay at Old Trafford, scoring just 12 goals across all competitions and failing to hold down a regular starting berth before becoming a source of frustration for supporters.

His fortunes changed dramatically after joining Betis on loan for the 2024/25 season, and the Spanish club made the move permanent in the summer of 2025. United agreed to sell for under £20m but negotiated a 50 per cent sell-on clause — a mechanism designed to let them share in any future profit should Betis move the player on at a higher price.

That clause came close to being triggered when interest arrived for the 26-year-old, but Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has made clear he wants to retain his key players. The club are competing in the Champions League this season, and with only half of any sale fee coming their way, they have limited financial incentive to sanction a departure unless an extraordinary bid arrives. Transfermarkt currently values Antony at €40m.

The failed windfall underlines the financial constraints United are navigating this summer. The club have been measured in the transfer market, bringing in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans on modest fees, while outgoings have been limited. Midfielder Carlos Baleba has agreed a contract with the club as they prepare to return to European competition under manager Michael Carrick.