Manchester United have confirmed that Antony has joined La Liga outfit Real Betis on loan for the second half of the campaign, but there will be no option to make the move permanent this summer.
Antony joined Man United from Ajax in the summer of 2022, with the 20-time English champions spending in the region of £82m on the forward, who arrived with a big reputation following his performances in Dutch football.
However, the 24-year-old has been unable to make his mark in English football, only managing 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances for the club in all competitions.
Antony has been involved this term, making 14 appearances for the Red Devils, but he has only scored once, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future since the January transfer window opened for business.
Real Betis have recently emerged as the favourites for his signature, and a loan switch to Manuel Pellegrini's side, who are currently ninth in the La Liga table, has now been confirmed.
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Man United attacker Antony joins Real Betis on loan
"Manchester United forward Antony will spend the rest of the 2024/25 season in Spain, subject to international clearance. The Brazil international has completed a loan move to Real Betis in La Liga," read a statement from Man United.
"Everybody at United would like to wish Antony the best of luck for his spell in Seville."
Real Betis recovered from three straight defeats to beat Mallorca on Saturday, and Antony could now make his debut for the club in their next league fixture against Athletic Bilbao on February 2.
Antony is expected to be a starter for the Green and Whites, and he will be bidding to reignite his career in Seville, having struggled to make his mark since a high-profile move to Old Trafford.
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Does Antony have a future at Man United?
Antony, as it stands, will return to Man United at the end of the campaign, and it will be difficult for Real Betis to sign him on a permanent basis due to the transfer fee that is expected to be involved.
It is tough to imagine Antony being a part of Man United's plans next season, though, so a permanent departure is likely to occur this summer, and the Red Devils will be hoping that he enjoys a strong spell in La Liga, as it would add to the club's asking price.
Two more Man United attackers also continue to be linked with exits; Marcus Rashford is still expected to leave on loan despite recent suggestions that he could stay, while Alejandro Garnacho is a £60m transfer target for Chelsea.
Matt Law
