'We won't go crazy' - Antony signing a 'very complex operation' as Betis promise to get 'creative' in bid to convince Man Utd to sell star at lower price

Betis president Angel Haro and sporting director Manu Fajardo have opened up on the possibility of signing Antony on a permanent transfer, calling it a "very complex" process that will require them to be "creative" to get the deal done. Fajardo, however, makes it clear that the club won't be ruining its stability in the process of acquiring Antony from United.

Antony's resurgence at Betis was nothing short of a fairytale for both the club and the player. The Brazilian winger scored nine goals and provided five assists in 26 matches, which took the club to their first-ever European final. The winger's impact is recognised by the president and the sporting director, but they say they are not willing to jeopardise the club by overpaying for the Brazilian. Antony has reportedly even agreed to take a 30% pay-cut for the move to go ahead.

Speaking on why Antony's transfer is complex, Fajardo said: "We all have to be aware that it's a very complex operation. Given the player's level, and his most recent career at Real Betis, it's not an easy operation. Despite being a complex operation, we will try to carry it out in different ways without mortgaging the club. In the end, the most important thing is also the sustainability of the entity. We will try to be creative, as we have been in the past, so that Antony can be here. Today the market is open, as I said before, it's very dynamic and we are part of that game."

Meanwhile, the club's president added: "We have to maintain the same financial rigor we've had up until now. Sporting sustainability is very important to us, of course, but also economic sustainability. We won't go crazy; we'll have a similar squad expenditure, perhaps a little higher than last year, and we'll be able to make some high-profile signings. But yes, something that has characterized Betis in recent years is that we sell well, and we also buy well, and at affordable prices."

Betis will tread carefully when it comes to signing Antony but are hopeful given the player is willing to stay.