Real Betis have suggested that they could walk away from a deal for Manchester United’s Antony, with alternatives already in their eyeline.
That’s according to Diario de Sevilla, who explain that the Brazilian remains a target this summer, but a deal is yet to be struck with Manchester United.
Betis continue to try and push for another loan deal after the forward’s successful spell at the club last season, but Manchester United would prefer a sale and an end to a miserable time at Old Trafford.
Now Betis want it known that they have alternatives on their list, with sporting director Manu Fajardo making their stance clear in an appearance alongside president Ángel Haro.
“From an economic standpoint, it has to fit within our parameters. A purchase depends on United’s price,” explained Haro.
“A loan rather than a purchase is more feasible, given what Manchester wants to ask for. We’re assuming, and Betis is making efforts, that he can arrive, but if he doesn’t, I don’t want it to be seen as a failure. It’s difficult to bring in a player of this quality and such a high financial compensation.
“Our responsibility is to be prepared, and we have alternatives in case Antony doesn’t arrive. We’re calm,” added Fajardo when asked about the situation.
Now the cynical among us here at Sport Witness would point out that this is likely just Betis playing the transfer game with Manchester United.
It’s been clear from minute one that they want to drag this process out as much as possible this summer and perhaps make Manchester United desperate late in the window and sanction a deal they perhaps don’t like.
Suggesting that they may now pull out entirely and go elsewhere feels like a continuation of that effort to make Manchester United desperate.
