Real Betis remain hopeful they can secure a deal for Manchester United winger Antony despite their sporting director Manu Fajardo describing it as a “very complex operation”.
Antony spent the second half of last season on loan at Betis and was an unequivocal success, scoring nine goals and providing five assists to help them finish sixth in LaLiga and reach the final of the Conference League, which they lost to Chelsea.
Betis want to bring Antony back to Estadio Benito Villamarin, with the Brazil forward viewed as a priority sale by United as they look to avoid a loss under the Premier League’s PSR rules.
However, Betis chief executive Ramon Alarcon said last month that they would attempt to sign Antony on loan again.
That approach may complicate matters, but Fajardo remains hopeful Betis can secure Antony’s services once again, with the player having made no secret of his desire to return to them.
“We all have to be aware that this is a very complex operation,” Fajardo told Estadio Deportivo. “Given the player’s level and his recent career at Real Betis, it’s not an easy transaction.
“But, as long as Antony hasn’t committed to a third party, we, with the utmost humility, will play our cards to be able to opt for Antony.
“I insist, despite this being a complex operation, we will try to carry it out in different ways without compromising the club. In the end, the most important thing is also the sustainability of the club.
“We will try to be creative, as we have been in the past, so that Antony can be here. Today, the market is open, as I said before, it’s very dynamic, and we are part of that game.
“It doesn’t surprise me [Antony wants to return to Betis]. And I’d like to take this opportunity once again to highlight the work that Real Betis does as a whole, across all departments.
“When a player arrives here and has such an immediate impact, that’s no coincidence. It’s the result of the work, sacrifice, and seriousness of everyone involved on a day-to-day basis. Not only so that Antony can perform and give his best, but so that all the players who join Betis can reach their prime.”
