Manchester United have confirmed that winger Antony has left the club to join La Liga side Real Betis on a permanent deal. The Brazilian joined United from Ajax in the summer of 2022 during Erik ten Hag’s reign for £86 million but struggled to nail down his place in the starting XI. He enjoyed a new lease of life on loan at Betis last season and has now sealed a move back to the Spanish club.
A difficult three years at Manchester United for Antony has come to an end, with the winger heading back to Real Betis on a permanent deal.
The Brazil forward was a big-money arrival at Old Trafford when he joined from Ajax in 2022 for £81.3 million.
His time at United could hardly have started in better fashion. Antony scored on his debut in a 3-1 home victory over Arsenal, but he struggled to produce his best on a consistent basis during his time in the famous red shirt.
In 96 appearances in all competitions, the 25-year-old registered just 12 goals and five assists and fell down the pecking order when Ruben Amorim was hired following the sacking of Erik ten Hag in October of last year.
A statement from Manchester United said: "Manchester United and Real Betis have reached an agreement for the permanent transfer of Antony, subject to international clearance and registration.
"Everybody at the club would like to wish Antony the very best of luck for the future."
Despite struggling for consistent form, the winger did gather a number of medals during his time at Old Trafford having won the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.
At his lowest while at United, Antony said he even considered retirement before a loan move to Betis in January gave him a new lease of life.
Antony enjoyed a more fruitful time when he went to Betis on loan in January 2025 - netting nine goals in 26 league and cup matches.
He helped the Spanish club reach the UEFA Conference League final with four goals and three assists, but could not stop Chelsea lifting the trophy in Wroclaw.
His impressive performances prompted Betis to enquire about a permanent deal and that was achieved late on transfer deadline day.
Manager Manuel Pellegrini made no secret of his admiration of the winger and his desire to bring him back to Villamarin Stadium, and although he has had to wait, he has now got his wish.
Betis have confirmed Antony has agreed a contract until 2030.
Betis were delighted to announce his return, teasing supporters of the news with a video showing a goat crossing a bridge in Seville.
Antony will be hoping to replicate the form that saw him recalled to the Brazil squad after two years away.
Carlo Ancelotti brought him back into the international fold for World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay earlier this year.
Antony was not the only exit from Old Trafford on deadline day, with Rasmus Hojlund also moving away from Manchester United to join Napoli.
Hojlund has moved to the Serie A club on a one-season loan deal with an obligation to buy.
The deal includes a conditional obligation of £38 million, if Napoli qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the 2026/27 season.
Hojlund has been with United since 2023, scoring 26 goals in 95 appearances over the last two seasons.