Real Betis have finally reached an agreement with Manchester United over the return of Antony before the summer transfer deadline, according to reports. The Brazilian winger looks set to seal his dream switch after spending months in exile while holding out for a second season with the La Liga club.
Antony escaped Manchester for Seville in January and flourished throughout the second half of last season, scoring nine goals and registering five assists in 26 appearances. In comparison, he notched up just 17 goal involvements in 96 games for United before a dramatic upturn in form at Betis.
According to the Telegraph, Betis have struck an agreement in principle with United to secure Antony's return to the club.
The report adds that talks have focused on a deal that would see the 25-year-old rejoin on an initial season-long loan before signing permanently next summer.
Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has, on multiple occasions, publicly applied pressure on the club to facilitate Antony's return to his squad.
"We all know how important Antony was here last season. Let's see if he can make it, hopefully," Pellegrini most recently said on Tuesday.
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"I'm always talking to Manu [Fajardo, Betis' director of football], looking at different alternatives; but, as I say, always keeping the financial aspect in mind.
"I can give him 10 names of players, but maybe they're players who aren't capable of making it.
"So, taking all of that into account, the sporting director, the technical director, and the team leaders tried to put together the best squad possible."
Antony's heart has been set on a return to Betis after helping the club seal Europa League qualification and reach the Conference League final before defeat to Chelsea.
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The former Ajax winger will not be the only high-profile exit from Old Trafford before Monday's summer transfer deadline.
Alejandro Garnacho is expected to complete a permanent move to Chelsea, while Jadon Sancho is also set to leave amid strong interest.
Tyrell Malacia, alongside the trio in Ruben Amorim's 'bomb squad', joins them in exploring a new opportunity elsewhere.
Rasmus Hojlund is also going to depart, with talks over a loan switch to Napoli, which will include a buy option, advanced.
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