Talk about a plot twist in the transfer market! Manchester United might be looking to sell only HALF of Antony in a wild co-ownership deal with Real Betis. It’s certainly an eyebrow-raiser for English football. Could this unconventional move be the solution to United’s financial balancing act? What do you make of this surprising strategy?
Manchester United are reportedly closing in on an unconventional transfer agreement for winger Antony, potentially involving a unique co-ownership structure with Spanish club Real Betis.
The Brazilian international has found himself sidelined at Old Trafford, deemed surplus to requirements by the coaching staff. This situation has led to extensive speculation regarding his future, with a loan move previously considered to rejuvenate his career.
Real Betis has expressed significant interest in securing Antony’s services, a sentiment reportedly reciprocated by the player who is eager for a fresh start. However, the financial demands from Manchester United have proven to be a considerable hurdle in negotiations, reflecting their initial substantial investment in the player.
In a notable turn of events, Real Betis has presented an offer of approximately €20 million for 50 percent of Antony’s economic rights. This innovative proposal would establish a co-ownership model, a structure more commonly observed in other European leagues but largely unfamiliar to the English Premier League.
Under this proposed arrangement, Manchester United would effectively retain a 50 percent sell-on clause, allowing them to benefit financially should Betis decide to transfer Antony in the future. This clause provides a mechanism for United to recoup further funds down the line in this complex co-ownership deal.
For the Red Devils, accepting such an atypical deal could be a strategic move to address their financial balancing act, particularly after a summer characterized by significant player acquisitions. Despite the unusual nature, it offers a pathway to offload substantial wages and mitigate the impact of an initial overpayment to Ajax.
While not an ideal scenario, securing this unique football transfer could be in Manchester United’s best interests. It represents an opportunity to resolve a challenging chapter in their recent recruitment history and free up resources, aligning with broader strategic objectives for squad optimization.
Antony’s keenness for the transfer, even if it involves an unconventional structure, underscores his desire for regular playing time and a new environment. This alignment between player and potential buying club, combined with United’s need to restructure, makes the fractional ownership a viable if unexpected solution in the modern football transfer market.