Real Betis Push Manchester United for Immediate Decision on Antony's Eagerly-Awaited Return

Real Betis head coach Manuel Pellegrini has called on Manchester United to honor Antony's wishes and facilitate his swift return to the Spanish club.

Antony delivered outstanding performances during his loan spell at Betis in the latter half of the previous campaign, contributing nine goals and five assists across 26 appearances in all competitions, and has expressed his clear intention to secure a comeback to Pellegrini's squad this summer.

United are seeking a permanent sale of Antony. However, Betis are unlikely to satisfy the Red Devils' financial expectations, with the Spanish side prepared to delay until the final stages of the transfer window, hoping United will reconsider their position and accept another temporary deal.

Pellegrini is eager for a swift resolution and has called upon United to respect the player's preferences.

"I haven't had discussions with Antony," Pellegrini stated. "Everyone knows he performed exceptionally well here, we desire his return, and Antony undoubtedly wants to come back.

"However, we also require the parent club, Manchester United, to reach a decision."

Sky Sports News indicates that a permanent transfer to Betis remains possible this summer, though the La Liga club is considering a heavily performance-based payment arrangement, having already stated they cannot afford a substantial upfront fee.

United's challenge lies in deciding whether to wait until the transfer window's closing stages. Additional permanent suitors might emerge, but if they don't materialize, United's bargaining power in negotiations with Betis would be significantly compromised.

According to ESPN Brasil, Antony's determination to rejoin Betis continues to complicate United's transfer strategy. Turkish club Fenerbahçe reportedly expressed readiness to meet United's €45 million (£38.9 million, $52.3 million) valuation, but despite the Red Devils' willingness to proceed, Antony has withheld his consent for the transfer.

Antony remains committed to Betis and is patiently awaiting an arrangement between the clubs, despite receiving loan proposals from clubs including Bayer Leverkusen, Benfica, and Brighton & Hove Albion, as per the report.