Real Betis rejects €50M offer for Antony, Manchester United retains sell-on clause

Real Betis has turned down a bid exceeding €50 million for Brazilian winger Antony, a decision that carries significant financial implications for Manchester United. The English club holds a 50% sell-on clause on any future profits from Antony’s sale.

From Old Trafford disappointment to La Liga revival

Antony initially arrived at Real Betis on loan in January 2025, giving both player and club a low-risk trial period. On September 1, 2025, Betis completed a permanent transfer for a base fee of roughly €25 million. The total package could reach €28 million with performance-related bonuses, specifically €22 million fixed plus €3 million in add-ons.

Antony signed a contract with Betis running through 2030, giving the Spanish club both time and leverage.

Manchester United’s clever exit strategy

Earlier estimates had suggested United was seeking around €50 million for the winger, but those expectations softened during negotiations. Instead of holding out for a fee that might never come, United structured the deal to include a 50% sell-on percentage on future profits.

If Betis were to eventually accept a bid in the €50 million range, United would pocket 50% of the profit above what Betis originally paid. On a €50 million sale with a €25 million base cost, that works out to €12.5 million flowing back to Old Trafford, on top of the initial transfer fee they already received.

Why Betis said no

The sell-on clause complicates the math for Betis. Any sale sends a substantial check to Manchester United as well. After accounting for the sell-on clause, the net gain from a €50 million sale would be roughly €12.5 million in profit for Betis. To make a sale genuinely worthwhile, the offer would likely need to reach significantly higher territory to generate net proceeds that would justify losing the player.

The identity of the rejected bidder hasn’t been publicly confirmed.

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