INEOS miss out on instant £25-30m boost as Man United star rejects two transfer proposals, he’s biding his time

Manchester United's ongoing squad overhaul under the new INEOS sporting regime has hit an early snag, as Brazilian winger Antony has reportedly rebuffed two concrete offers to return to his native country. The rejections signify a missed opportunity for the club to secure an immediate financial injection of an estimated £25-30 million, a sum that would have significantly aided their summer transfer strategy and compliance with Financial Fair Play regulations. Antony’s clear stance suggests a player determined to control his destiny, opting to bide his time for a specific destination rather than take the first available exit.

Sources close to the player indicate that Antony’s sights are firmly set on a move to La Liga side Real Betis. This isn't merely a preference; it's understood to be a strong desire to link up with Manuel Pellegrini, the veteran Chilean manager. Antony is reportedly longing for the opportunity to repay the faith he believes Pellegrini would place in him, seeing the Seville-based club as the ideal environment to revitalise his career. Betis, known for their attractive, possession-based football and a history of rehabilitating talented but underperforming players, presents a compelling proposition for the young attacker, who has struggled to justify his hefty transfer fee since arriving at Old Trafford. His decision to shun lucrative Brazilian offers underscores his ambition to remain in European top-flight football and prove his worth at a high level.

This strategic patience from Antony places Manchester United and INEOS in a delicate position. While the club is eager to offload high-earning assets who haven't performed to expectations, they also need to maximise their return on investment. The rejected Brazilian proposals likely fell short of United's valuation or were structured as loans, neither of which would provide the instant cash boost INEOS is seeking. The coming weeks will be crucial as the summer transfer window approaches. United will need to either convince Antony to reconsider other viable options or hope that Real Betis can formulate an offer that meets their financial demands, allowing the player to secure his desired move and the club to finally move on from a costly chapter.