Well, that took an unexpected turn! Antony’s much-anticipated £21.6 million move from Manchester United to Real Betis has spectacularly fallen apart. Was it really just about the wages, or is there more to this transfer saga than meets the eye? Find out why this deal couldn’t get over the line.

The anticipated transfer of Manchester United winger Antony to Spanish club Real Betis has sensationally collapsed, leaving the Brazilian’s future at Old Trafford shrouded in fresh uncertainty.

Initially, a £21.6 million agreement was reportedly in place for the struggling forward, with an additional £2.6 million contingent on performance-related bonuses. This prospective deal would have seen Manchester United absorb a significant £60 million loss on their initial £82 million investment made in 2022.

However, the proposed move faltered due to irreconcilable differences over financial arrangements, particularly Antony’s substantial wage demands. With two years remaining on his lucrative Manchester United contract, the player was reportedly unwilling to compromise on his current earnings.

Real Betis officially confirmed the breakdown of negotiations, releasing a statement that explicitly cited their inability to meet both the transfer fee and the compensation Manchester United would have needed to pay the player. This public declaration underscored the financial chasm that emerged.

Despite Betis’s clear statement, Manchester United officials are said to suspect the Spanish club’s stance might be a tactical maneuver in negotiations. Meanwhile, Antony, who has managed only five goals in 62 appearances for the Red Devils, appeared remarkably unfazed by the turn of events, sharing a cryptic message about life’s surprises.

Interestingly, Antony had a successful loan spell with a Spanish team during a previous winter transfer window, where he made a significant impact and helped guide the side to a UEFA Conference League final. This past experience might have fueled expectations for a seamless transition.

Upon his return to Manchester this summer, Antony found himself part of the so-called ‘bomb squad,’ sidelined from first-team preparations alongside other high-profile players. This group included Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia, indicating a broader squad restructuring.

With the transfer window rapidly closing, and with Rashford already loaned out and Garnacho subject to a £40 million deal with Chelsea, Antony now faces an increasingly precarious situation. The failed Betis move leaves his immediate future at Manchester United hanging in the balance, intensifying scrutiny on his role and value.