Manchester United has in principle agreed to extend Antony's loan at Real Betis! However, the club must complete a permanent transfer next year with no option for return.

Antony is nearer to exiting Manchester United, and his aspiration to rejoin Real Betis is on the verge of realization. The Telegraph reports that talks between United and Betis have advanced, making the 25-year-old Brazilian winger’s exit more probable.

The €100 million man Antony ranks as Manchester United’s second priciest signing but also one of the club’s largest underperformers. Last season, he was loaned to Betis, where he performed well, scoring 9 goals and providing 5 assists, helping the team qualify for the Europa League. The La Liga club has been actively discussing his return.

Spanish sources reveal that an agreement in principle for Antony’s return to Betis has been reached. The two clubs are negotiating a final permanent transfer deal, likely starting with a loan but with an obligation to buy, and no option to return next year.

Mike McGrath of The Telegraph states that Manchester United and Betis held detailed talks on Monday and reached a preliminary agreement. Although the transfer is not yet finalized, all parties aim for Antony to leave this summer. Despite his impressive form in La Liga, United’s management has made it clear that as long as Rúben Amorim coaches the team, Antony’s chances of reviving his career at Old Trafford are nonexistent.

In recent weeks, both Turkish Süper Lig side Fenerbahçe and the Saudi Professional League have shown strong interest in Antony. Rumors last week suggested that Fenerbahçe, coached by Mourinho, were willing to pay €45 million for the transfer. However, “The Compass” was unconvinced by Fenerbahçe’s plans and declined the offer to work with Mourinho.

It is well known that the Brazilian winger has quietly insisted all summer on returning to Betis, eager to reunite with coach Pellegrini. Betis has kept the number 7 jersey reserved for Antony, which he wore during his loan last season, along with a non-EU player slot. Betis understands they are Antony’s only option.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said: “Betis remain confident about completing Antony’s deal, as reported last week. Both sides held face-to-face talks on Monday, continuing today. Betis’s offer is a loan with an obligation to buy, and they want to finalize the deal quickly. They are still waiting for the green light. Antony wants to join Betis.”

After key player Isco suffered a serious injury, Betis coach Pellegrini openly expressed his desire for Antony to return. “We all know how important Antony was here last season. Let’s see if the transfer can go through… hopefully it will,” Pellegrini said this week.

However, he reiterated the previous stance of Betis’s sporting director Manu Fahardo regarding financial matters: “I’ve been in communication with Manu, exploring different options. But as I said, financial issues always remain. I could give him the names of 10 players, but maybe they won’t be attainable. So, considering all these factors, the sporting director, technical director, and team management will do their best to build the strongest squad.”

Contrary to The Telegraph’s report, Sky Sports transfer reporter Dharmesh Sheth claims Manchester United still firmly opposes a loan deal. The final outcome will be known by next Monday. It is confirmed that United prefers a direct permanent transfer and will fight until the end. ESPN also confirms that both sides are confident a solution can be found before September 1st.