Antony has been a revelation since moving to Real Betis on loan from Manchester United in January, but the La Liga side could be prevented from signing him permanently
Real Betis may be unable to make Antony’s loan move from Manchester United permanent this summer due to a new rule that prevents the spreading of transfer fees over several years. Antony has been a standout performer since joining Betis on loan in January, but the new law could shatter their hopes of retaining him.
The La Liga outfit has often utilised this regulation, most notably with former French star Nabil Fekir, whose fee was paid to Lyon over seven years.
Even when Fekir departed Betis for Al Jazira last summer, part of the amortisation was still outstanding. It is now reported that United are looking to recoup at least £40million of the £81m they initially paid Ajax for the winger.
However, Betis might find it challenging to raise such funds as the rule allowing clubs to divide the cost, a method they would have considered to secure Antony, has been altered by La Liga President Javier Tebas.
This change aims to align with UEFA’s rules that restrict instalment payments to a maximum of five seasons for clubs that do not exceed their limits.
In 2019, Betis agreed a £16.7m deal, plus £8.5m in variables, with Lyon to bring Fekir to the club. This sum was initially set to be paid over four seasons, with the player signing until 2023, reports the Mirror.
However, in January 2022, Fekir extended his contract by three more seasons until 2026, enabling Betis to spread the cost over more years, which eventually totalled seven.
The new rule would have averted a situation where, as Fekir departed Betis last summer with approximately £5.9m still owed to Lyon, this was nearly covered by the fee paid by the UAE side.
Antony, 25, has played a pivotal role in Betis’ revival in the latter half of this season. The Brazilian winger’s impact has been remarkable, scoring five goals and providing four assists in 17 matches, helping them secure sixth place in the table and reach the Europa Conference semi-finals, where they are set to play Fiorentina this week.
Betis officials are hopeful about his continued stay, with the club’s CEO, Ramon Alarcon, disclosing that the player assures him every morning of his desire to remain.
However, it’s probable that the club will need to undertake another financial engineering exercise, utilising creativity and resources to persuade United to release the star, who is under contract at Old Trafford until 2027. It’s also understood that United are not keen on sanctioning another loan for the ex-Ajax player.
Antony’s loan fee has only cost Betis £1m net, as they cover part of his wages. Bonuses will be paid if they qualify for the Champions League or win the Conference League.
Despite the complications surrounding a permanent transfer, Betis chief Manu Fajardo confirmed over the weekend that the club were committed to finding a way to retain the player.
He said: “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.”
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