(Credit: Imago)

Jack Heath

Thu 7 August 2025 15:40, UK

Benfica have enquired about the availability of Antony to bring him to Portugal in a potential deal from Man United.

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After two underwhelming seasons at Old Trafford, the Brazilian winger was cast out of Ruben Amorim’s plans.

The number seven was deemed physically inadequate by his boss after he secured a short-term loan move to Real Betis in January 2025.

During his spell in the south of Spain, the 25-year-old became a cult hero, leading the Sevillan side to the Conference League final, falling short against eventual winners Chelsea.

Betis tried to retain the winger for the following season but thus far a deal hasn’t been agreed as other suitors look to swoop in on United’s unwanted man.

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Real Betis were pipped to the post by Chelsea in the Conference League final

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According to CNN Portugal (7 August), the Lisbon-based club have made two approaches to acquire the services of the former Ajax man.

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CNN commentator Bruno Andrade said [in Portuguese]: “[Man] United continue dreaming of a sale but they know it is difficult because Antony has a contract until 2027…his contract has made things much more complicated.”

Relaying what his sources told him, he added: “Benfica…have made two approaches.

The first of them was a direct approach to Manchester United to try and understand the next step surrounding the player [Antony].

“If he is available for a loan or if they can find a sale, if they can finalise a purchase on the player’s [Antony] behalf.

“The information I have is that Antony is available for €50million (£43.3m).

“The information I have is that Benfica are interested in a loan move or potentially come to an agreement over a sale for the player.”

Former Wolves boss Bruno Lage will be keen to recruit Antony (Credit: Getty Images)

Football Insider verdict

Given the Sao Paulo academy graduate has fallen out of favour with Amorim, a move, even if temporary, seems to be the best option for all parties.

Benfica are aiming to go on the offensive next season to win the league title due to Sporting CP’s vulnerability after the reluctant sale of Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal.

During his short-lived spell with los Verdiblancos, the winger netted on nine occasions, often delivering in crunch moments.

Antony 2024-25 Real Betis all competitionsAppearances26Minutes played2134Goals9Assists5The South American was adored by Betis fans (Source: Sofascore)

It appears the 25-year-old is not cut out for the English top-flight and spending another season away from Old Trafford would also run down another year on his contract, set to expire in June 2027.

Even better, if he secures a temporary move to the Portuguese side, he could eventually forge a permanent move to Lisbon, playing in a country that speaks his mother tongue.

Evidently, Antony is not a part of his manager’s plans having not featured at all in pre-season yet, suggesting a new beginning outside of Manchester is likely to be on the cards.

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