Manchester United have missed out on receiving a ‘penalty payment’ as part of their loan agreement with Real Betis for Antony.
The Brazilian winger, who United signed in an £82 million deal from Ajax in 2022, has flourished since joining Betis on loan in the January transfer window.
As part of the agreement, Betis are paying 84 per cent of Antony’s salary, which is worth around £140,000 a week.
However, ABC Sevilla report that Betis have managed to avoid paying a loan fee to United for Antony as the 25-year-old has now made 15 appearances for the Spanish club.
The report claims that Betis could have been forced to pay a penalty fee worth €560,000 (£479,000) if Antony played less than 15 games during his loan spell.
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The report adds that Betis are now planning to hold talks with United over a permanent deal for Antony.
During his loan spell in Spain, Antony has scored four goals and registered four assists across his 15 appearances.
ABC Sevilla adds that Antony has also made it clear that he wants to extend his stay with Betis.
Speaking about his decision to leave United, Antony said in February: ‘The most important thing is that I have found myself again
‘I am happy to be enjoying myself every day. Things go well when we are well, happy, content… in four games I scored three goals and gave an assist. I expected it and I didn’t expect it.
‘I have worked mentally and physically to get to this moment. I am very happy about that. When I was in England I continued working mentally and physically I was also feeling well. I was preparing for this moment. Now, I am very happy to be enjoying and living an incredible moment.
‘I wasn’t playing much, but I’ve been working hard. I needed to be happy with myself. The best version of being happy with myself is the most important thing. I played very little in Manchester, but I’m grateful to them and also to the coach, who spoke to me.
‘I have a lot of friends who played here and they left me very calm so that I could sign here. I was sure in my heart that coming here was the best decision for me. I hope to continue like this. The players who have been here, like Ricardo Oliveira and Denilson, who sent me messages and told me how good the fans were.
‘I’ve had a great time in Manchester too, I won two titles and I’m very grateful. But when I say that I’ve found myself here, I’m happy, the people are like us in Brazil.
‘The sun helps a lot. I’m very happy here. I wake up every day with a smile and that’s very important.’
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