'We all know': Manager says £35m United star 'wants' transfer to La Liga club

Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has acknowledged that Manchester United winger Antony wants to rejoin the club after hi productive loan stint.

The Brazil international spent the backend of last season on loan with Betis. He managed 14 goal contributions from only 26 appearances.

Betis are obviously keen on re-signing the former Ajax man, but they can’t afford the £35 million asking price United are looking for the attacker.

The La Liga outfit are exploring a season-long loan. In case of a permanent transfer, they are eyeing a cut-price move, with United retaining a huge sell-on clause.

Talks have stalled at the moment, but Pellegrini has admitted that Betis ‘want him back’ and Antony ‘certainly wants to come back’ before the deadline.

He added that the final decision will rest on United’s shoulders.

He said in a press conference (via Estadio Deportivo): “I haven’t spoken to Antony. We all know he was very happy during the six-month period he was with us.

“We want him back, he certainly wants to come back, but it depends on what the transfer holder, which is Manchester United, wants to do with him.”

Man Utd must not offload Antony on the cheap

The Brazil international has had a frustrating career with the Red Devils, registering just 12 goals and five assists from 96 appearances across all competitions.

However, he was phenomenal during his loan stint at Betis, bagging nine goals and five assists. He scored some world-class saves and became a favourite at the Andalusian outfit.

Antony desperately wants to return to the Spanish side. United have offers worth £26-35m from Turkish and Saudi Arabian clubs, but the winger is holding out for Betis instead.

United have already sent a message that Antony ‘will be in the stands until January‘ if he does not choose an alternative destination, given Betis are unlikely to meet their price tag.

The club are open to a loan deal only if Antony pens a long-term contract. It does not make sense to loan him out this summer with his current deal expiring in June 2027.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .