Manchester United’s attempts to sell Antony this summer have reportedly hit a significant stumbling block.
The winger comprises one of the five members of United’s so-called ‘Bomb squad’ that head coach Ruben Amorim will be attempting to move on from the club this summer.
So far, Marcus Rashford is the only one of the five to have completed a move away from Old Trafford, after joining Barcelona on a season-long loan.
Meanwhile Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia all still remain at the club.
While Antony is still to secure a move away from the club he joined from Ajax for £80m in the summer of 2022, it is not due to a lack of suitors.
According to a report from Spanish outlet SPORT, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are one of several Saudi Pro League sides interested in signing the Brazilian international.
Antony has reportedly informed Man United that he only wants to join one club this summer
The 25-year-old enjoyed an impressive spell on loan in LaLiga with Real Betis last season
Now he is reportedly turning down lucrative approaches from Saudi Arabia in favour of a move back to Spain
While the gulf state club are likely to be able to meet United’s reported valuation of £50million any potential deal is complicated by Antony’s desire to return to Real Betis.
After finding himself surplus to requirements upon the arrival of Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford last season Antony was sent on loan to the Andalusian club in the January window.
It was at the Estadio La Cartuja that the 25-year-old enjoyed a remarkable return to form, netting nine goals in 26 appearances and helping the club reach the Europa Conference League final in May.
Such was Antony’s success at the club he is now said to be solely determined on rejoining Manuel Pellegrini’s side for the coming campaign.
However, Betis reportedly do not have the funds to purchase Antony and are instead said to be seeking a loan deal without any obligation to buy.
In May Betis president Angel Haro revealed that plans were in place to try and keep Antony at the club beyond the summer.
‘His name was put on the table by the sporting director. It was a low-priced approach because Manchester United assumed almost all the salary,’ Haro told Cope.
‘The player wanted to come to Betis. It was a pure loan, it was very cheap for Betis and there was no option to negotiate anything.
‘Keeping Antony is very, very complicated. We will 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 predisposition of the player and Manchester United.
‘The first filter is put by Manchester United, and then the negotiation of the player would come, but that is a long way off.
‘In addition, now the player is plugged in wanting to lift a title with Betis. When the time comes and the season is over, he will be able to do his part if this option opens up.’
