Manchester United winger Antony has reportedly turned down the chance to join Olympiakosas the Brazilian attacker is favouring a switch to a La Liga club instead.
A few days ago, it was claimed that the former Ajax man had been offered a surprise escape route by the Greek giants, who had identified him as an ideal replacement for the recently-departed Willian.
Man United head coach Reuben Amorim is expected to sanction Antony’s departure for the right offer this month, having only used the former Ajax man sporadically since taking over.
In total, Antony has just the one goal to show from 12 appearances in a Man United shirt this season, and he has earned a paltry 84 minutes from six substitute appearances in the Premier League.
However, ABC Sevilla – via Sport Witness – claims that Olympiacos’ olive branch has been rejected by Antony, who instead wants to stay in one of Europe’s big five leagues rather than move to Greece.
Antony pining for Real Betis switch?
© Imago
Instead, the Brazil international is believed to be keen on a January move to Spanish outfit Real Betis, managed by former Manchester City head coach Manuel Pellegrini.
The likes of Isco, Ayoze Perez and Giovani Lo Celso have all found safe haven at Real Betis after falling from grace elsewhere beforehand, and the club supposedly believe that such examples of players reviving their careers could be used to ‘seduce’ Antony into joining.
Contacts are already believed to be underway between Betis and Man United, and the La Liga side would be interested in a loan deal until the end of the season, but compromises will have to be made.
The report adds that Real Betis would need Man United to cover a portion of Antony’s £200,000-a-week wages, and the player himself would also need to accept a pay cut in order to seal a switch.
Pellegrini’s side will supposedly fight until the end to bring the winger to Seville, and if an agreement can be struck in the coming weeks, the possibility of Antony staying at Real Betis beyond the end of the 2024-25 season has not been ruled out.
Portuguese giants Benfica are also said to have registered their interest in the 24-year-old, but like Olympiacos, the Eagles’ approaches have also been met with the cold shoulder.
Man United forked out a whopping £85m to bring Antony to Old Trafford from Ajax under Erik ten Hag in 2022, but the winger has only registered a meagre 12 goals and five assists in 94 games for the Red Devils.
Who could follow Antony out of Man United exit door?
© Imago
Man United confirmed their first departure of the winter transfer window on Friday, as youngster Ethan Ennis was loaned to Doncaster Rovers, and plenty more are expected to follow in the coming weeks.
Marcus Rashford‘s situation continues to dominate the headlines, and AC Milan are now thought to be the leading contenders to sign the 27-year-old; head coach Sergio Conceição recently commented on the speculation.
Christian Eriksen and Casemiro should also be given the green light to leave for the right price, but Amorim is keen to keep struggling attacker Joshua Zirkzee for the second half of the season.
