The summer transfer window opens on June 1. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
INEOS need to be ruthless when it comes to cashing in on Manchester United players deemed surplus to requirements this summer.
A straightforward £25 million is set to be added straight to the transfer budget come the end of the term when Chelsea pay up for Jadon Sancho.
Marcus Rashford’s future is a little less certain, given his clause with Aston Villa is only an option to buy rather than an obligation. However, his stellar form is likely persuading them to make him permanent when the window opens, although he is said to be attracting renewed interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
Another first-team loanee, Antony, has enjoyed a completely new lease of life in Spain. He left Old Trafford in January without making a single Premier League start, having been granted just 14 appearances in all competitions and scoring only once – from the penalty spot, no less.
Real Betis keen to secure Antony coup for 2025/2026
Flash forward to sunny Seville in the second half of the term and the Brazilian has started every game since joining Real Betis.
He has notched four goals and four assists in 13 appearances, while Manuel Pellegrini’s side now boasts a remarkable seven-game unbeaten streak in La Liga, which includes a win over reigning champions Real Madrid and a 1-1 draw with leaders Barcelona. Antony has been influential throughout the run.
Alas, it comes as no surprise to learn the Spanish outfit want to keep the 25-year-old beyond his temporary spell – at least for a full campaign.
“Real Betis say they will do everything to keep Antony when the Man Utd winger’s loan ends in June,” said Chris Wheeler on X/Twitter – only further confirming Betis’ intentions heading into the summer.
The issue is that Betis will be unable to match his £200,000-a-week wages, nor are they likely to have the funds available to send a substantial offer United’s way. For them, an ideal solution would be to retain Antony for another season on loan – a situation which doesn’t really benefit the Red Devils at all.
