Antony Drops Bombshell Transfer Demand That Sends Shockwaves Through Man Utd

Manchester United's strategy to permanently offload Antony this summer has suffered a major setback, with reports suggesting the Brazilian winger is declining to consider proposals from any club except Real Betis.

Antony impressed during his loan spell with Betis in the latter half of the previous campaign, giving United hope of securing approximately £30 million ($39.8 million) from his transfer this summer—revenue they require following costly signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

United had been optimistic about generating substantial income this transfer window by selling peripheral squad members. Marcus Rashford was also made available for transfer, but his insistence on waiting for Barcelona ultimately enabled the Catalans to arrange a loan agreement with an option for a permanent switch.

Per SPORT, Antony is now adopting a comparable position, rejecting proposals from clubs worldwide and indicating he will only engage in discussions with Betis.

High-value offers from Saudi Arabian clubs have been rejected by Antony, leaving United confronting the possibility of having to accommodate his preferences and enter negotiations with Betis.

The Spanish outfit has consistently maintained they will not satisfy United's valuation, though. ABC reports that Betis intends to delay until the window's final stages to arrange what will likely be another temporary deal.

Being unable to move Antony on, having already conceded defeat in their attempt to sell Rashford, would constitute a major financial setback for United and could significantly affect their future recruitment strategy.

United await anxiously to discover whether they can successfully sell several fringe players. Jadon Sancho has experienced stalled negotiations regarding a potential move to Juventus, while Chelsea are only anticipated to pursue Alejandro Garnacho toward the window's end after completing several departures.