Why Antony Turned Down Saudi Millions and European Giant
Not every day do you see a footballer turn down money, prestige, and European giants just to return to a club where he simply felt… at home. That’s exactly what Antony is doing this summer. The Manchester United winger has reportedly rejected multiple offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia, Italy, and Germany, making it crystal clear to the United board that he only wants Real Betis. No ifs, no buts.
This isn’t some PR spin. Sources close to the situation have revealed that Antony has been in direct contact with Betis officials, and the feeling is mutual. They’ve told him to stay firm in his stance, promising they’ll try everything to bring him back to Seville before the window shuts.
Why wouldn’t he want that? His loan spell at Betis last season reignited his career. He looked sharp, confident, and impactful, scoring nine goals in 26 appearances and helping the team reach the UEFA Conference League final. For a player who had lost his spark at Old Trafford, Betis became a lifeline, and clearly, a place that feels like home.
Turning Down Saudi Millions and Top European Clubs
The offers on the table haven’t been small. United have fielded inquiries from Saudi Arabian clubs, where players often triple their salaries, as well as serious interest from Italy and Germany. Antony hasn’t even blinked. No leveraging interest to get a better deal. He simply said no.
How often do we see that in modern football? Most players would have at least entertained the Saudi route, but not Antony. For him, it’s not about the money or the flash. It’s about where he feels he can play his best football.
The reality is, he’s made peace with the idea of waiting. He’s willing to hold out till the end of the transfer window if that’s what it takes to make the move happen. He doesn’t want to bounce around Europe anymore. He wants to go back to a place where he was trusted, and where he delivered.
Betis Want Him, But the Finances Are Tricky
Manchester United are open to letting him go but only for the right deal. They’d ideally want a €40 million permanent sale, or at least some kind of loan with an obligation to buy. Betis, on the other hand, are hoping to negotiate a simple loan deal with an obligation to buy.
Antony, for his part, is even open to taking a pay cut to smooth things over. That alone speaks volumes about how badly he wants this move. Not many players would be willing to give up a chunk of their wages to make a loan happen.
Betis are playing the long game here. They’re not pushing just yet, they’re waiting for the final weeks of the window, hoping United’s stance softens, and it just might. The longer United wait, the more pressure they’re under to move players out and balance the books, especially after a summer of spending. Especially with a deal for Benjamin Seskon stalling.
United’s Dilemma, Cut Losses or Hold Firm?
On one hand, they know Antony isn’t part of manager Rúben Amorim’s long-term plans. The Portuguese coach has been shifting the team’s structure away from traditional wingers, and Antony hasn’t impressed since returning from his loan. On the other hand, letting him go on another loan, without any future obligation, means they’ll be writing off a player they spent nearly £85 million on. That’s not just bad business, it’s a PR nightmare.
Antony’s current market value has taken a hit. No one’s paying £40 million for him now. United aren’t exactly flooded with other realistic buyers. So keeping him just to prove a point could backfire. If he stays and doesn’t play, his value sinks even further. It’s a tough spot. Let’s not forget, a World Cup is just around the corner. Antony needs game time. He knows he won’t get that at United. That’s another reason he’s pushing so hard for Betis.
Final Thoughts
Antony is standing firm. Betis are staying patient. United are holding out hope that someone comes in with a better offer. Here’s the most likely outcome, if no other club steps up, United might just give in and let him go back to Betis on another loan, just to move him off the wage bill and avoid dressing room frustration.
Because the truth is, once a player makes it clear he doesn’t want to stay, keeping him around rarely ends well. For now, though, Antony is betting on Betis. He’s putting loyalty, comfort, and playing time above money and fame. Whether United see that as admirable or stubborn remains to be seen.
