Antony 'happy in every way' at Real Betis as Manuel Pellegrini confident Brazilian will 'improve' after sealing La Liga return from Man Utd

Antony officially completed his €25 million (£21m/$27m) move from United to Betis in the summer transfer window, penning a five-year deal. The 25-year-old impressed on loan last season with nine goals and five assists in 26 matches, helping Pellegrini’s men secure Europa League qualification. After weeks of negotiations over wages and clauses, Betis finally got the deal over the line on deadline day.

Los Verdiblancos boss has urged patience as Antony works his way back to peak form after a stop-start few months, Pellegrini said: “I don't have any concerns about him; he hasn't played or trained for a long time. He'll improve as the matches go by. He's aware of the importance of improving, and we're very happy with him in every way.”

The Brazilian joined the Red Devils from Ajax in 2022 for €95m (£80m/$100m) but failed to justify his hefty price tag, managing only flashes of brilliance in the Premier League. His form rebounded at Betis, where Pellegrini handed him freedom to express himself in attack, and his permanent arrival has been hailed as a coup for the Seville-based club.

Antony has featured in two games so far this season without registering a goal or assist, while Betis have won just twice in their opening six La Liga fixtures. Up next is a Europa League clash against Nottingham Forest, where Antony will be looking to open his account and spark a turnaround in the club’s stuttering start.