Man Utd revive €25m deal to offload ‘bomb squad’ flop on deadline day

Manchester United v Burnley - Premier League
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United’s efforts to sell Antony appear to have been successful after a deal with Real Betis was revived on deadline day, according to reports.

Antony spent the second half of last season on loan at the La Liga side, rediscovering his form with nine goals and five assists in 26 appearances.

The Brazil international has long made it clear that a return to Betis would be his preference this summer despite interest from other clubs.

A deal appeared to be agreed in principle on Friday between all parties, however Betis later withdrew the offer claiming that they could not afford the finances involved.

The problem appeared to hinge around Antony’s salary demands, with the 25-year-old wanting United to pay off the final two years of his contact to compensate the wage cut he would take to complete the move to Betis.

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Despite those issues, widepsread reports now suggest that both parties have now come to an agreement to get the deal over the line.

Betis will pay 22million euros (£19.06m) with 3m euros of add-ons (£2.59m) for Antony, while United will also have a 50 per cent sell-on clause.

Manchester United FC v Brighton & Hove Albion FC - Premier League
Antony finally looks set to depart the club (Picture: Getty)

And despite Antony’s demands, there will be zero pay-off from United relating to the wages from the final two years of his contract.

The Red Devils, though, will make a significiant financial loss on a player that they signed for a whopping £81.3m back in 2022.

Antony scored 12 goals in 96 appeareances in all competitions for United, but played just 252 minutes following the arrival of Ruben Amorim.

The winger has beenpart of United’s ‘bomb squad’ this summer – the group of players ordered to train away from the first-team while they try to find a new club.

Marcus Rashford became the first member of that group to leave Manchester, joining Barcelona on a season-long loan deal that includes an obligation to buy next summer.

Alejandro Garnacho completed his £40m switch to Chelsea at the weekend, while the club still hope to offload Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia on the final day of the window.

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