Yardbarker
Yardbarker
x

Real Betis will open fresh transfer talks with Manchester United in a bid to keep Antony at the La Liga club next season.

Despite his struggles for form back in Manchester, Antony’s career has been revived by a January loan switch to Andalucia, with a major upturn.

The Brazil international has scored three goals and laid on two La Liga assists as Manuel Pellegrini chases fifth spot and UEFA Champions League qualification.

Real Betis are also hoping for a place in the Conference League final next month and Antony will be key to their hopes.

Sporting director Manu Fajardo has already confirmed the club are working on a deal to keep the former Ajax forward but negotiations have not progressed at this stage.

“It is a source of satisfaction on a personal level (to have brought Antony to Real Betis), but it is the result of teamwork. Although I am responsible for the sporting management, there are many people involved in this signing. It’s still early, but we will try in different ways to do everything possible to continue enjoying Antony,” he said.

As per reports from the Daily Telegraph, Real Betis are still not in a position to afford a transfer fee for the 25-year-old, with the Red Devils aiming for around €45m.

However, with an ongoing cost-cutting drive in place at Old Trafford, a deal could be struck to remove him from the club’s bloated wage bill.

Real Betis are prepared to offer another season-long loan deal, with an increased wage contribution from their end, plus a purchase clause included for 2026.

With United ready to cut ties with the winger, they are open to proposals, but they could push for the purchase clause to be made mandatory to ensure the deal gets wrapped up.

This article first appeared on Football Espana and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST

Why €40m signing is perfect move for Chelsea – and what it means for their summer
Soccer

Why €40m signing is perfect move for Chelsea – and what it means for their summer

It seems like Jorrel Hato will be Chelsea’s next signing, with David Ornstein’s latest report claiming that the Blues are “closing in on a deal” to sign the Ajax defender. It’s not done yet, but all signs are pointing to a deal being done by the end of this week. Pieces fall into place for dream Chelsea Hato deal Things have lined up nicely for Hato – he just seems a great fit. He can cover at left back, where we really need a backup for the overworked Marc Cucurella, but could also be our solution alongside Levi Colwill at centre back long term. He’s got some decent size to him, continuing the general trend of adding some inches to a team that has struggled at set pieces at times. His price is nice too – even if it comes in at at €45m, that’s a very reasonable sum for a 19 year old Dutch international with some excellent pedigree from Ajax. There’s a reason plenty of other Premier League club have chased Hato in the last couple of years. Chelsea’s summer business moves into final phase With Hato signed up and his international teammate Xavi Simons soon set to follow, Chelsea’s incoming business should almost be done. There’s quality up front, in midfield and defence. Many fans would beg for a new goalkeeper, but it seems the club are stubbornly set to stick with Robert Sanchez for now. The real rush from now until September will be on trying to move on as many unwanted players from the first team squad as possible. There’s been great progress on Joao Felix, but there still remains a slew of players – from Axel Disasi to Carney Chukwuemeka and Raheem Sterling – that are up for sale and need to be shifted from the books.

Fever Coach Stephanie White Has Given One Player the Green Light Amid Caitlin Clark's Injury
WNBA

Fever Coach Stephanie White Has Given One Player the Green Light Amid Caitlin Clark's Injury

Caitlin Clark is expected to sit out for a fourth straight game on Sunday when the Indiana Fever take on the Chicago Sky in a much-awaited rivalry matchup. The 23-year-old is still dealing with a reaggravated groin strain and has no timetable to return. The rest of her Fever teammates have had to step up in her absence. There is, perhaps, no other player who has taken a bigger role on the offensive end amid Clark’s injury spell than three-time All-Star Kelsey Mitchell. Mitchell, however, struggled with her shot in Thursday’s win against the Las Vegas Aces. The 5-foot-8 guard shot the ball poorly in the first three quarters, going just 4-of-19 from the field for 12 points. Mitchell caught fire in the fourth, though. She went 4-of-5 in the final frame for nine points, finishing with a game-high 21 points on 8-of-24 shooting. This is exactly why head coach Stephanie White remains completely confident in Mitchell’s scoring ability. The veteran coach has made it clear that she has given Mitchell the green light to shoot the rock. “The biggest thing with Kelsey is just telling her, ‘Let it fly.’ It’s going to go,” White said after Thursday’s win against Las Vegas. "... Keep shooting it from outside. She made some big ones when we needed them.” Kelsey Mitchell Has Stepped up Amid Clark's Injury Mitchell has answered the call for the Fever of late. In the three games Clark has been sidelined, Mitchell has put up averages of 22.0 points on 42.9% shooting. She also knocked down 2.7 triples during that stretch on a 34.8% clip. The 29-year-old veteran will need to keep her foot on the gas on Sunday as the Fever try to take down the Sky at United Center. With Clark watching from the bench, the Fever will rely on Mitchell’s scoring against Chicago as they look to improve on their 13-12 record. The Fever and Sky meet at 3 p.m. ET Sunday on ABC.

Yankees not close to done adding ahead of trade deadline
MLB

Yankees not close to done adding ahead of trade deadline

The New York Yankees already made headlines by acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies on Friday. That may not be their only move ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. According to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, the Yankees have an extensive shopping list. While a right-handed hitting infielder is a priority, New York is also looking for help in the rotation and bullpen. Acquiring McMahon may have contributed to the push for a right-handed hitting infielder. McMahon has struggled against left-handed pitching throughout his career, posting a .231/.307/.378 batting line in 1,079 plate appearances, hitting 34 homers and 35 doubles. Those struggles have been even more pronounced this year. McMahon is slashing .207/.289/.310 in 97 plate appearances against southpaws, with two homers and three doubles. Kirschner specifically listed Minnesota Twins utility man Willi Castro as someone the Yankees are targeting, whose career .260/.306/.399 batting line in 689 plate appearances against lefties would make him a solid complement to McMahon. Likewise, the club's pursuit of pitching makes sense. Marcus Stroman has been much better since returning from the injured list at the end of June, but he cannot be considered a reliable option. Rookie Will Warren has been inconsistent, and with Clarke Schmidt likely lost until 2027 due to Tommy John surgery, the rotation needs work. New York's relief corps may be further down the team's needs. While every contending team looks to bolster the bullpen ahead of the trade deadline, the Yanks' upgrades could come from within. Relievers Fernando Cruz and Mark Leiter Jr. are expected back in August, while fellow reliever Yerry De los Santos was activated from the IL on Saturday. The Yankees still have a lot of work to do ahead of the trade deadline. It could be a busy next few days in the Bronx.

Packers CB Has 7-Word Message After Matt LaFleur’s Training Camp Warning
NFL

Packers CB Has 7-Word Message After Matt LaFleur’s Training Camp Warning

Green Bay Packers training camp has featured various highlights as the offense and defense prepare for the upcoming season. Head coach Matt LaFleur already praised what he's seen from multiple players after the first several days of camp. There are high expectations for this team, which many believe could take over the NFC North as division leaders and once again become a postseason contender. Last season, they were one of the only squads to rank in the NFL's top six for yards per game of offense and yards per game allowed on defense. And while both sides are giving it their all at training camp, one specific player has caught the attention of head coach Matt LaFleur, prompting a discussion about going a bit too far on defense. As of Sunday at Packers' camp, some of cornerback Nate Hobbs' hits were reportedly excessive and not the type of plays LaFleur wanted from him against his teammates, especially with the NFL season approaching. According to ESPN's Rob Demovsky, that resulted in a lecture from the head coach to the team's new corner. LaFleur said he knew the plays weren't "malicious" on Hobbs' part but wanted him to dial it back. Hobbs admitted he felt bad about one particular hit on Dontayvion Wicks and told him, "it's nothing personal," but also said it's part of how he plays. After LaFleur's warning, Hobbs seems extra motivated to go once camp arrives on Monday, due to a gear change that will allow him to go harder. "Pads tomorrow. We gon' see who's who," Hobbs said in a message ahead of upcoming on-field battles with his teammates. The 2025-26 season marks Nate Hobbs' first season with the Packers after four seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. During his NFL career, he's racked up 281 total tackles, three sacks, three forced fumbles, and three interceptions. In March, he signed a four-year, $48 million contract with the Packers. He became a key offseason acquisition for Green Bay after Jaire Alexander's departure, joining corners Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley praised him several months ago amid uncertainty about Alexander's status with the team. "He is competitive, he's tough, he is physical, he plays the game fast, you can tell he loves it. It just jumps off the tape," Hafley said, per ESPN. As training camp resumes this week, Hobbs will continue to showcase his abilities, potentially trying to strike a balance between his passion for the game and caution to avoid injuring teammates before the season.

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!