Real Betis’ Antony: A Loan Star Worth Crowdfunding For?
Adriana Garcia
Mar 31, 2025, 05:21 AM ET
In the world of football, where player transfers and loans are as common as a sunny day in Spain, Real Betis midfielder Isco has added a humorous twist to the ongoing saga of Manchester United’s loanee Antony. Isco quipped that crowdfunding might be necessary to keep the Brazilian winger at Betis for at least another season. This light-hearted comment came after Betis’ thrilling 2-1 victory against Sevilla in Sunday’s derby.
Antony has been nothing short of a revelation since his arrival in Spain. After a challenging start to the season at Old Trafford, the winger has found his rhythm and form at Betis. However, the loan agreement that brought him to the Spanish club does not include an option for Betis to make his stay permanent this summer. This has left fans and players alike wondering about his future.
Isco, with a smile, remarked, “We need to crowdfund so he can stay at least another year,” when asked about Antony’s future. It’s a sentiment that resonates with many at the club, given Antony’s impressive performances.
At 25, Antony is contracted with Manchester United until June 2027. During his time with Betis, he has scored four goals and provided four assists in just 12 appearances. These statistics highlight his significant contribution to the team.
Real Betis have already expressed their desire to keep Antony beyond this season. Isco, a former Spain international, believes Antony has made a substantial impact at the club. “I’m happy to be able to enjoy Antony,” Isco said. “He has surprised us all with his humility and with his willingness to help and add. We have noticed a change since he arrived. We are happy for him and for the team.”
Antony’s influence was evident in the recent derby against Sevilla. Although he didn’t score, he stood out with his performance and delighted the home crowd by waving the club’s flag during the post-match celebrations. This gesture further endeared him to the Betis faithful.
Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini also praised Antony, saying, “I’m very happy for Antony. He is a great player, who had gone through a complicated spell.” Antony’s journey at Manchester United was less fruitful, with only 12 goals in 96 appearances since his £85 million transfer from Ajax in 2022.
Pellegrini added, “He is young, he has a lot to give to football. It has helped his game to play alongside players like Isco, [Giovanni] Lo Celso, William Carvalho…”
For Antony, the focus remains on the present. “What I am most happy about is having found myself and I found myself here,” he said after Sunday’s game. “I’m grateful for the affection I’ve received since I arrived. I’m very happy here. My head is at Betis. I’m enjoying every day the city, the club… Let’s continue like this.”
Sunday’s victory marked Betis’ sixth consecutive league win, solidifying their sixth place in LaLiga. The team now faces a challenging match against league leaders Barcelona on Saturday.
- Antony’s Stats at Betis: 4 goals, 4 assists in 12 appearances
- Contract with Manchester United until June 2027
- Betis’ current LaLiga position: 6th
As the season progresses, the question remains: Will Betis find a way to keep Antony, or will he return to Manchester United? For now, the Betis community can only hope and perhaps start that crowdfunding campaign Isco jokingly suggested.
Originally Written by: Adriana Garcia
