Real Betis have opened fresh talks with Manchester United over extending the loan of their budding winger Antony Santos. Antony joined Betis on loan during the winter transfer window in January and immediately caught the eye with his impressive performances in La Liga.
The Sao Paulo native has scored four goals and provided four assists in 11 appearances for his new club, who currently have no option to buy him out of his current deal.
In the contract, it is certain that Antony will return to Manchester United next summer, but according to 90min which reported on ABC Spain, it was stated that the Verdiblancos are exploring ways to keep Antony after this season.
The report also claims that the Luis del Sol-based club approached the Red Devils with an offer of an 18-month loan deal for Antony.
That never materialised as the La Liga minnows ran into financial problems that threatened to call off the move. In the end, the move was agreed on a six-month contract.
Betis and Antony are currently enjoying a happy time. They have also begun formal talks to extend the loan period of the United stalwart for the upcoming 2025/2026 season.
A new deal with United could include a potential option to make the Brazilian winger’s move permanent, but could also require Antony to sign a new contract with United first.
The former Ajax man’s contract expires in 2027 and United are unlikely to agree to a loan extension that could see him return with just 12 months left on his deal.
Much depends on the Verdiblancos’ prospects of playing in European football. United want to find a genuine buyer who can pay a significant fee for the 25-year-old.
The Red Devils are aware that they will lose a huge amount on the £81.3m they paid to sign him in the first place and any potential buyers will likely have to dig deep into their pockets to prise him away from Old Trafford.
