'We can't do anything crazy' - Real Betis prepared to give up on 'dream' Antony transfer as Man Utd hold firm on €40m valuation

The Brazil international forward enjoyed a productive loan spell with the Spanish outfit during the second half of the 2024-25 campaign. He helped them to the Conference League final, while also rediscovering a lost spark after falling out of love with football at Old Trafford.

Antony remains surplus to requirements in Manchester, with Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim favouring other attacking options, and that is leaving the door open for a permanent move to be made.

United are, however, demanding €40 million (£35m/$46m) from any sale - as they seek to avoid taking a Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR) hit - and that valuation is far too high for Betis to consider.

They are still clinging to the dream of reaching a compromise that allows Antony to return to Spain, but Betis’ sporting director Manu Fajardo told reporters when asked about the chances of getting that deal done: “Both parties want him to be here this season. Every day that passes allows us to dream of him being here. If Antony is here, it's because the numbers add up. The most important thing is the club's sustainability; we can't do anything crazy.

“It's okay to think big, but you also have to keep your feet on the ground. If he doesn't sign with a club, there are still options, but the deal would take place within the parameters we have budgeted at the club.”

Antony has made it clear that retracing steps to Betis would be his preferred choice this summer, with the 25-year-old winger eager to remain in surroundings where he feels happy - with the opportunity to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League reportedly being knocked back.