Antony's Future: Manchester United Winger Explores Serie A Options

Manchester United winger Antony is at a pivotal crossroads in his career, with recent reports indicating a surprise interest from Serie A club Como. This development comes as the Brazilian prepares to leave Old Trafford after a disappointing tenure, where he struggled to meet the expectations set by his £86 million transfer from Ajax in 2022. According to renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Como has made inquiries regarding Antony's availability, but the player reportedly favors a return to Real Betis, where he enjoyed a successful loan spell in the latter half of the 2024/25 season.

After a tumultuous period at Manchester United, which yielded only 17 goal contributions (12 goals and 5 assists) across 96 appearances, Antony found a new lease on life during his loan at Real Betis. Under the guidance of coach Manuel Pellegrini, he revitalized his performance, contributing significantly to the team's sixth-place finish in LaLiga and their run to the UEFA Conference League final.

In a statement on X, Romano confirmed that while Como has expressed interest, Antony has prioritized a permanent move back to Real Betis. "Italian side Como have tried to sign Antony in the recent days but the Brazilian winger is giving priority to Real Betis return," he wrote. Furthermore, United is aware of Antony’s inclination to stay at Betis, although no formal agreement has been established yet.

During his loan, Antony made 26 appearances for Real Betis, scoring 9 goals and assisting 5, which helped restore his confidence after a challenging stint at Manchester United. "I started to doubt, even in myself," Antony reflected on his struggles at Old Trafford. He expressed gratitude for the experience, stating, "I found that here, and that’s why I’m very happy and more confident every day."

Pellegrini has also voiced his desire to retain Antony, noting the player’s integral role within the team. "We would all be happy if he stayed, but now we have to focus on the present," Pellegrini stated. However, any move back to Betis may involve complex negotiations, as the club operates on a limited budget, with their record signing still standing at €30 million.

Reports suggest that Real Betis may propose an unconventional transfer structure, seeking to secure part ownership of Antony initially set at 50%, incrementally increasing their stake over the next four years. Given the financial constraints, such a deal could be pivotal in facilitating Antony’s desired return.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Manchester United remains keen to offload Antony, not only to alleviate their wage bill but also to reinvest in the squad. Meanwhile, clubs in the Premier League, including Brentford and Aston Villa, have also been linked with the Brazilian, signaling a potential bidding war for his services.

In summary, Antony's next move remains uncertain as he weighs his options between a return to Real Betis and interest from Como. As the situation evolves, it highlights the challenges players face when transitioning between clubs and the intricate dynamics of modern football transfers. Looking ahead, Antony's choice will have significant implications not only for his career but also for the strategies of the clubs involved in this unfolding narrative.