Real Betis’s president has confirmed that discussions are scheduled to take place with Manchester United at the end of the season as they seek to keep hold of Antony.
The Brazilian is on red-hot form and starred once more as Betis booked a Europa League Conference final date with Chelsea.
The 25-year-old, who endured a torrid time at Manchester United, scored a sensational free-kick and set up Abde Ezzalzouli’s extra time winner as the Seville-based outfit knocked Fiorentina out of the semi-finals.
It was the latest man of the match performance for the reinvigorated winger, who has now scored eight times and claimed five assists since joining Betis in January.His consistent heroics have earned rave reviews and supporters are desperate for him to extend his stay at the club.
And now club president Angel Haro has revealed that talks are planned to try and keep the Manchester United loanee beyond the summer.
Haro told told Cope: “His name was put on the table by the sporting director. It was a low-priced approach because Manchester United assumed almost all the salary.
“The player wanted to come to Betis. It was a pure loan, it was very cheap for Betis and there was no option to negotiate anything.
“Keeping Antony is very, very complicated. We will have a meeting with Manchester United to extend the loan for another year, to be able to share a percentage of the player… It’s about seeing the predisposition of the player and Manchester United.
“The first filter is put by Manchester United, and then the negotiation of the player would come, but that is a long way off.
“In addition, now the player is plugged in wanting to lift a title with Betis. When the time comes and the season is over, he will be able to do his part if this option opens up.”
Antony was signed by United from Ajax for £86million before going on to register just 12 goals and five assists in 96 matches for the club.He continues to go from strength to strength away from Old Trafford and has said he believes personal issues stopped him playing his best.
He admitted his performances were far below the standard that had seen him secure the Manchester move and be selected as part of the Brazil squad for the 2022 World Cup.
“Ithink that, apart from my football life, my personal life got in the way a lot, because of the things I went through, the moments I lived there,”said Antony.
“Like it or not, it’s affected me a lot. So, of course, I know the potential I have.
“It’s not for nothing that I went to a World Cup, it’s not for nothing that I was sold to United for a lot of money, and I know my worth.”People look at the moment, but they don’t look at the bigger picture, what happens to bring things about.
“So, as I said, my feeling at United was that I had good moments, bad moments too, but of course I could have done more, I could have done better.
“His impressive performance against Fiorentina comes after a stunning stoppage time winner at the weekend and he looks a different player to the one at Old Trafford.
“The future? It’s very early; I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’m very happy here,” he said recently.
“I’ve found myself enjoying football. It’s crazy right now, although I know how talented I am, so I prioritised going where I knew I’d be happy, even though I had better offers.”
Betis sit in sixth place, one point away from Villareal in the fifth and final Champions League qualification spot, with just four La Liga fixtures remaining.
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