Real Betis CEO Fires Antony Threat To Man United If They Don’t Bow Down To Key Transfer Demand

Real Betis CEO Fires Antony Threat To Man United If They Don’t Bow Down To Key Transfer Demand

 

 

The transfer window may still be weeks away, but the tension between Manchester United and Real Betis is already heating up. In a dramatic twist that could have serious implications for Erik ten Hag’s squad building plans, Real Betis CEO Ramón Alarcón has reportedly issued a stern warning to Manchester United regarding a potential deal involving Brazilian winger Antony.

 

While the Red Devils are believed to have initiated informal talks with Betis over a prospective summer move for one of their rising stars, the Spanish club’s CEO has drawn a hard line—threatening to walk away from the negotiating table and take a retaliatory stance if United do not meet their transfer demands. The flashpoint? Antony.

 

United Eyeing Betis Star, But a Roadblock Emerges

 

Reports out of Spain suggest Manchester United have shown strong interest in Betis midfielder Assane Diao, a 19-year-old breakout talent who has impressed in La Liga with his pace, work rate, and attacking flair. Ten Hag is said to be an admirer of Diao’s dynamic style, seeing him as a potential solution to United’s long-term need for speed and creativity down the flanks.

 

However, negotiations took a sharp turn when United reportedly proposed a swap-based structure—offering underperforming winger Antony as part of the deal, possibly to offset the hefty fee Betis are demanding. According to Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, Betis were less than impressed by this proposal.

 

Ramón Alarcón, known for his tough negotiating tactics, is said to have responded with a fiery retort. The CEO reportedly told intermediaries that under no circumstances would Betis accept Antony as a makeweight unless United agreed to Betis’s full valuation of Diao, believed to be around €40 million.

 

“We Will Not Be Used As a Dumping Ground”

 

In a leaked statement attributed to a senior Betis source, Alarcón allegedly stated: “We are not a club that takes on failed experiments. If Manchester United want our players, they must respect our valuation. We will not be used as a dumping ground for their problems.”

 

The strong language has raised eyebrows across Europe. Alarcón’s position highlights a growing trend of smaller clubs standing firm against the financial muscle of Premier League giants. In years past, a player like Antony—despite his recent struggles—might have been viewed as a valuable asset on the continent. But with United struggling to offload high-wage players who haven’t met expectations, that market has shifted.

 

Antony’s Market Value Plummeting

 

Antony, who was signed for a staggering £85 million from Ajax in 2022, has seen his reputation take a hit following two disappointing seasons in the Premier League. With limited goal contributions, questionable decision-making, and frequent criticism from pundits like Paul Scholes and Roy Keane, his stock has dropped dramatically.

 

Transfermarkt currently values the Brazilian winger at less than half of what United paid. Several European clubs, including some in the Saudi Pro League, have expressed tentative interest, but none have come close to matching United’s expectations for a sale or swap.

 

For Betis, taking on Antony would mean absorbing his high wages—reportedly over £150,000 a week—and betting on a player who has not adapted well to the intensity of English football. Alarcón’s response is a clear signal: Betis want cash, not complications.

 

United’s Summer Rebuild Complicated

 

Ten Hag is planning a substantial summer rebuild, and offloading underperforming assets like Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Donny van de Beek is a top priority. But if clubs like Betis resist swap deals or discounted transfers, United may struggle to generate the funds they need to make meaningful signings.

 

The club’s hierarchy is also navigating a period of internal transition, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group now holding significant sway in sporting decisions. United are expected to operate under tighter financial fair play regulations, meaning smart and efficient transfers will be essential.

 

The impasse with Betis could be a sign of further struggles to come.

 

Betis Hold the Cards on Assane Diao

 

Assane Diao’s rising stock means Betis are in no hurry to sell. The 19-year-old winger has caught the eye of scouts from Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, and Napoli, all of whom have reportedly expressed interest. His blend of raw pace, fearlessness, and tactical versatility make him a desirable option for top clubs looking to build for the future.

 

Betis know this. And with Diao under contract until 2027, they are in a strong negotiating position.

 

Alarcón’s public stance isn’t just about Antony—it’s about asserting the club’s position in the European market. “If Manchester United want to talk, they know where we are,” he reportedly said. “But the conversation starts with cash, not cast-offs.”

 

What This Means for Antony

 

The Brazilian winger finds himself in a difficult position. Once seen as a cornerstone of Ten Hag’s project at Old Trafford, Antony is now fighting to remain relevant. While his work ethic and defensive pressing are often praised, his lack of end product has frustrated fans and coaches alike.

 

If a move to Spain or elsewhere is off the table, United could be stuck with a player on high wages with limited suitors—adding another layer of difficulty to their transfer strategy.

 

Antony, for his part, has not commented on the Betis rumors. His focus remains on finishing the season strong and attempting to reclaim a starting role. However, barring a dramatic upturn in form, his days at Old Trafford appear numbered.

 

United’s Options Narrowing

 

With Betis drawing a hard line and other clubs skeptical of United’s fringe players, the Red Devils may need to rethink their approach. Swaps and package deals might look good on paper, but unless the other party sees real value, they’re likely to fall flat.

 

For Ten Hag and the recruitment team, that means either accepting financial losses on certain players or finding creative loan arrangements—possibly with an option to buy—to move them on.

 

Meanwhile, the pursuit of talents like Diao will hinge on whether United can meet the financial demands outright, without relying on players like Antony to sweeten the deal.

 

Conclusion

 

Real Betis have made their stance crystal clear: Manchester United must respect their valuation or walk away. In the high-stakes chess game of the summer transfer window, Ramón Alarcón’s sharp message signals a growing resistance from smaller clubs who are no longer willing to bend to the will of Premier League heavyweights.

 

For Antony, the fallout is particularly telling. Once a marquee signing and symbol of Ten Hag’s vision, he now finds himself potentially being used as trade bait—an offer flatly rejected by a club with a fraction of United’s budget but far greater bargaining power in this context.

 

If Manchester United want to land rising stars like Assane Diao, they may have to face the uncomfortable truth: not every problem player can be part of the solution.

 

 

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