Real Betis president Angel Haro has confirmed the Spanish club will hold talks with Manchester United about the prospect of extending Antony’s loan spell – but has warned the situation is “very, very complicated”.
The Brazilian has flourished for the La Liga outfit since arriving on loan from United in the January transfer window, scoring eight goals and registering five assists in 21 appearances in all competitions.
He joined the Seville-based outfit on a straight loan deal until the end of the season, meaning Betis do not have the option to automatically turn his stay into a permanent one without entering fresh negotiations over a permanent transfer.
However, two senior Betis figures have confirmed this week the club wants to keep him at the Benito Villamarin Stadium beyond the end of this season by signing him on a season-long loan deal ahead of next term, meaning they do not currently have any plans to extract him from Old Trafford on a full-time basis.
Issuing a fresh update on the situation, Haro told El Partidazo: “Keeping Antony as our own is very, very complicated.
“We’ll have a meeting with Manchester United to extend the loan for another year, to be able to share a percentage of the player.
“It’s about seeing the willingness of the player and Manchester United.
“The first filter is set by Manchester, and then the negotiation of the player would come, but that’s a long way off.
“Besides, the player is now fully engaged, wanting to win a title with Betis. When the time comes and the season ends, he’ll be able to do his part if this option opens up.”
Antony, who scored for the third game running in Betis’ 2-2 draw with Fiorentina in the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final on Thursday night, admitted earlier this week that he is currently unsure what his future will look like.
“When I got to Betis I wanted to make history, to be fighting for these things and I’m very happy to play a semi-final in the Betis shirt,” said Antony. “I’m prepared physically and mentally for the game.
“I did have very good moments at Ajax, but physically and mentally, happy as I am here… I think I’m living the best moments of my life.
“Entering the history of the club would be a dream and I want to write my name in the history of the Betis. I don’t know what’s going to happen at the end of the season, but I just know I’m very happy here.”
