Serie A team Como made a transfer offer, but Antony turned it down since the Manchester United winger is “giving priority” to another team this summer.
The 25-year-old, who signed a six-month loan agreement with Real Betis in January, helped Manuel Pellegrini’s team get to the Conference League final against Chelsea by contributing nine goals and five assists.
Since then, other teams, including Villarreal, Atletico Madrid, and Bayer Leverkusen—a side led by former manager Erik ten Hag—have shown interest in signing the Brazilian.
However, Como has attempted to sign Antony in recent days, but the Brazilian winger “is giving priority” to Los Verdiblancos, according to Fabrizio Romano, who says the winger prefers a move to Real Betis.
“Man United are also aware of Antony’s preference to continue at Betis next season,” said Romano. “No club to club agreement yet.”
Given his developing relationship with Betis and its fan base, the news isn’t as shocking.
Following the conclusion of his loan stint in Seville, Antony wrote an emotional open letter after losing to Chelsea 4-1 in the Conference League final.
“Today is the day to give thanks for one of the most beautiful chapters of my life,” he commented in an Instagram video.
“I must explain to you why you have been and will always be so significant to me as I write this chapter of my narrative. Football was more than just a fantasy to me as a child; it was my one and only opportunity to turn my life around.
“I travelled far throughout my life, from the slum to the world. I transitioned from being a boy to a father after leaving Brazil to play in the Netherlands and England.
“Even though a lot has changed, football has remained my safe haven. Until everything fell apart one day. From heaven to hell. My world darkened, the ecstasy subsided, the ball stopped going in, and I started to question my abilities, my drive for the game, and myself.
“That’s when football gave me one last gift: Real Betis,” Antony continued. I had no idea what to anticipate when I got here, but I could never have imagined discovering what I did.
“I sensed a change as soon as I walked into this place. I felt as like I had found a piece of myself that I had lost, and it was like coming home.
“I found the child I used to be—the one who had a deep love for football—with you, and I grinned once more. Football became love once more with you. Real Betis, thank you.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the Brazilian is willing to accept a 30% pay reduction in order to permanently quit United in the summer. The team must earn £32.58 million in order to avoid losing Antony in accordance with the Premier League’s sustainability and profitability rules.
At Old Trafford, he presently makes about £150,000 per week.
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