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Real Betis eyeing summer move for Liverpool star if they fail to land Antony
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Real Betis ready to move for Liverpool star Federico Chiesa if they miss out on Antony

Real Betis have identified Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa as a top target this summer, should they fail to bring back Manchester United’s Antony. According to Football Espana, the Spanish side have opened talks with Chiesa’s camp and view the Italian international as the ideal Plan B to reignite their attack ahead of the new season.

Antony enjoyed a fruitful loan spell with Betis in the second half of last season, helping them surge to a sixth-place La Liga finish and secure European football. However, the chances of a repeat loan deal from Manchester United are slim. United are demanding €40 million and are not keen on subsidising the Brazilian’s substantial wages, making a permanent move nearly impossible for the Andalusian club.

An underwhelming debut campaign in Red

Chiesa, who joined Liverpool last summer, has yet to fully make his mark at Anfield. Fitness setbacks and fierce competition under new boss Arne Slot have limited his appearances. That said, it’s far too early to write him off. At full fitness, Chiesa remains one of the most dynamic wingers in European football, a player capable of turning games on his own.

For Liverpool, the idea of sanctioning a loan deal isn’t off the table, especially if it helps the Italian rediscover form and rhythm in a league like La Liga. With interest already mounting from Serie A heavyweights such as AC Milan and Napoli, a successful spell at Betis could raise Chiesa’s stock, and Liverpool’s leverage in any future sale.

But let’s be clear: Liverpool won’t be bullied into cutting their losses. Chiesa is still under contract, still valued at Kirkby, and still seen as a potential contributor if he stays fit and adapts to Slot’s system. Any move, loan or otherwise, will be done on the Reds’ terms.

Betis want another miracle, but Liverpool hold the cards

There’s no doubt Betis are trying to replicate their Antony success story by pursuing Chiesa. But lightning doesn’t always strike twice. While they may be banking on the narrative of reviving careers, Liverpool are in a much stronger position than United were. Unlike Antony, Chiesa hasn’t fallen out of favour, he simply needs time and consistency to settle.

Betis can offer a platform and regular minutes, sure, but they don’t hold the power in this negotiation. Liverpool do. And if the Spanish side think they’ll land a player of Chiesa’s calibre on the cheap, they may be in for a reality check. The Reds will only entertain an offer if it benefits the club both competitively and financially.

Federico Chiesa may not have exploded onto the scene at Anfield just yet, but the talent is undeniable. Liverpool fans have every reason to be patient. If a loan deal to Betis materialises, it will be because it suits the Reds, not because they’re desperate to offload him. Betis might want another Antony-like miracle, but Chiesa’s story at Liverpool is far from over. Whether he stays or goes temporarily, make no mistake, Liverpool are firmly in control of this one.

This article first appeared on The Kop Times and was syndicated with permission.

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