Real Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo has suggested a permanent transfer for Manchester United winger hinges on Champions League qualification.
Antony joined the LaLiga outfit on loan during the January transfer window and made a great start to life in Spain by scoring three goals in his first four games across all competitions.
So much so that the Brazilian revealed that he was happy again after being allowed to depart Old Trafford following a largely disappointing spell since his £85million transfer from Ajax in the summer of 2022.
A future in Manchester looks unlikely for Antony amid reports United ready to offload the winger among other first-team players in their attempts to raise funds this summer to complete an overhaul of Ruben Amorim’s squad.
Fortunately for Man Utd, there appears to be a suitor for the 25-year-old as Real Betis have reportedly opened talks regarding a loan extension.
However, when speaking to Spanish publication Marca, Fajardo outlined the conditions for a permanent deal.
He said: "In Betis' sporting department, we work on 'devalued' players, analysing data from players who have reached very high moments and peaks, but who for various reasons have significantly decreased their performance.
"We are concerned about their situation and speak with major clubs.
"In his case, we were able to anticipate and convince the player, and his entourage. Today, Antony is performing immediately from minute one in the squad.
"We haven't lost our enthusiasm, we can't rule out anything in football, and hopefully Real Betis will remain in the top European positions to benefit his continuity and the arrival of other great players."
As things stand, Betis sit sixth in the LaLiga table and eight points off Athletic Club who occupy the final Champions League qualification spot.
With that said, the top five in Spain could all take a seat at European football’s top table as LaLiga - along with the Premier League - are in pole position to have an additional side in the competition next season.
