Manchester United attacker Antony's agent has insisted that the Brazilian's career at Old Trafford is not necessarily over.
The 24-year-old joined Real Betis on loan in the latter stages of the January transfer window, and he has made a strong start to his time with the Seville outfit, scoring twice in three appearances.
Antony has a contract at Old Trafford until June 2027, though, and there was no buy option included in his loan agreement with Real Betis.
The La Liga outfit have expressed a desire to explore a permanent move for the Brazil international at the end of the campaign, but Antony's agent Junior Pedroso has said that his client's long-term future could still be at Old Trafford.
Pedroso also revealed that there was Premier League interest in the ex-Ajax forward during the January market.
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Antony's agent addresses client's long-term Man United future
"We understood in January that his moment at the club was not good, so Manchester United also understood that leaving on loan was the best way for Antony to recover his best form," Pedroso told transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, via GiveMeSport.
"When we started thinking about and planning Antony's temporary transfer, we knew it would be a short-term project. Our concern would be for him and his family to adapt quickly and to find a style of play that would enhance his characteristics.
"Yes, Spanish football greatly strengthens Antony's main technical and physical characteristics. He has more freedom to use all his skills to the advantage of efficiency in attack. That's why we said yes, and Manchester United approved it too.
"Everyone's opinion was unanimous. After that, we mapped out the clubs he could play for and we came up with Betis as the ideal destination.
"I can tell you that clubs from England also wanted Antony, he had the chance to stay in the Premier League, but we preferred Real Betis. I can also reveal that Saudi Pro League clubs approached us over potential moves. It was another option but Spain was the best possible for the player.
"I believe that football is very dynamic. There are no long-term plans to be made. There may still be a few more chapters in his story with Manchester United, or there may not be. This will depend on many factors involving decisions by the club and him in the near future."
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Antony has struggled to make his mark at Man United
Antony scored 24 goals and registered 22 assists in 82 appearances for Ajax before making the move to Man United in the summer of 2022, but the forward has been unable to show his best form at Old Trafford.
The South American has only managed 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances for Man United in all competitions, including one goal in 14 outings in the first half of this season ahead of his switch to Real Betis.
Antony has made a strong start to life in Seville, though, including a goal on his last appearance against Gent on Thursday night, as Manuel Pellegrini's side recorded a 3-0 victory in the first leg of their Conference League knockout round playoff.
Matt Law
