“We will” – Club chief declares desire to sign Man Utd star as swap deal brews | OneFootball

Real Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo reiterated his club’s intention to keep Manchester United winger Antony beyond the current campaign.

The Brazilian endured two and a half forgettable years at Old Trafford, failing to justify the whopping £86 million the club spent to secure his services from Ajax in the summer of 2022.

The Red Devils were happy to show the 25-year-old the door in January, sending him on loan to Betis. Nevertheless, the player almost immediately revived his career upon his arrival in Andalusia, establishing himself as a regular starter in Manuel Pellegrini’s lineup. He has thus far contributed with five goals and four assists.

Although Betis don’t have the option to buy Antony, their top officials have already voiced their desire to keep him, and Fajardo has come out to confirm it once more.

“It is a source of satisfaction on a personal level [to have brought Antony to Real Betis], but it is the result of teamwork,” said the sporting director via Manchester Evening News.

“Although I am responsible for the sporting management, there are many people involved in this signing. It’s still early, but we will try in different ways to do everything possible to continue enjoying Antony.”

Man Utd could include Antony in swap deal with Real Betis

(Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

On Friday, Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim expressed his delight with the performances of Antony and fellow Man Utd loanee Marcus Rashford. Nevertheless, Fabrizio Romano insists neither player is part of the Portuguese’s project for next season.

On the contrary, United could be interested in bringing in Johnny Cardoso, a 23-year-old American midfielder who has been delivering the goods at Betis since joining the club in January 2024.

According to Sam C, the Red Devils have been scouting the New Jersey native in recent weeks, but have yet to make a formal approach. The source believes this could open the door for a potential swap deal involving Antony and Cardoso.

United could do with a new midfielder, as Christian Eriksen is heading out of the club, while Casemiro’s exit cannot be ruled out. Nevertheless, negotiating exchange deals remains a complicated affair, as finding an agreement between several parties is seldom easy.