Manchester United ace keen to leave Old Trafford; €35 million asking price non negotiable

However, Manchester United remain firm in their stance, insisting on a permanent sale for €35 million, a price tag that Real Betis simply cannot meet at this time. The English club, needing funds to finance incoming transfers, believes that compromising on Antony’s valuation would weaken their hand in future negotiations. As a result, all offers from the Andalusian side have been rejected so far.

From a pragmatic perspective, though, United may need to reconsider. Holding out for for a player who has failed to make an impact at Old Trafford, and who currently has a limited market, risks backfiring. Antony has made it clear he wants to leave, and his growing frustration is beginning to show. His behaviour, increasingly noticeable, threatens to create unnecessary tension within the squad.

Rather than focusing on extracting maximum value, the club is fostering a situation that could spiral into a larger issue. Betis, despite their financial constraints, have approached the deal with creativity. Their co-ownership proposal wasn’t ideal, but it was a fair compromise. United’s outright rejection of that offer may have prematurely closed one of the few realistic exit routes for the Brazilian.

Betting everything on a permanent sale risks leaving Antony sidelined, further diminishing his market value. In an era where every euro matters, holding on to an unmotivated player purely out of commercial pride could ultimately cost the club more than any loan or part-exchange deal.

Antony is neither irreplaceable nor indispensable. If his exit can help balance the books, trim the squad, and prevent internal unrest, then Manchester United must be pragmatic. Not every negotiation must come from a position of strength, sometimes, a tactical concession is the smartest path forward. If Betis return with a slightly improved offer and no better alternatives materialise, clinging to the Brazilian would be both a sporting and financial misstep.

Meanwhile, a new question emerges: should Manchester United consider a potential swap deal involving Antony for Douglas Luiz?