This summer, Manchester United are expected to be involved with at least one La Liga side in terms of transfer business – with that being for Antony, who has been a revelation at Real Betis since his arrival in January.
Betis are desperate to keep Antony, and understandably so given his efforts in the Verdiblanco jersey. But a deal with Man United will be far from straightforward as their demands could be in excess of what the Andalusians can afford.
Gary Pallister gives verdict on possible summer deal for Antony
Speaking to Football España in collaboration with William Hill Vegas, former Man United player Gary Pallister gave his thoughts on Antony, and whether another deal with Betis should be sought in the summer.
“I’ve not been able to watch many games over there, but I’ve heard the stories of how well he has done. When he was at Man United, the one thing I can say about Antony is that he never shied away, he never hid. Even though he would find it difficult, he always tried.
“It’s clear that a different environment is suiting him. He was under a lot more pressure at Old Trafford, and he appears much more happy at Real Betis, where he is scoring a lot of getting assists. And because of this, I think there’s a real possibility that a deal is done, and that he stays there – I’m not sure that Antony will want to go back to Man United.”
“But even if not, he has put himself in the shop window – and this would have been Man United’s intention. Marcus Rashford has done it, and so has Jadon Sancho. They have all improved away from Old Trafford, where you’re really under the spotlight – especially when things are not going well.”
Pallister believes Barcelona move could benefit Marcus Rashford
Pallister also spoke further on Rashford, who has been linked with a summer move to Barcelona.
“Barcelona is a great football club, they are a top team for any player. They have had financial problems, so they may find it difficult to sign Rashford in the summer. But it will also depend on whether Aston Villa decide to buy him permanently.
“He was a £100m player a few years ago, so his valuation has dropped a lot. But there is a player in there, and if he can return to that form, he can go back to being worth that amount.”
