In a thrilling twist in the transfer saga, Atletico Madrid has surged ahead in the competition to secure Antony on a permanent deal from Manchester United, following remarkable performances during his loan spell at Real Betis. The Brazilian winger, who struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford, is seemingly back in form, making him a target for high-profile clubs.

Antony was signed by Manchester United for a staggering fee that eventually reached £86 million ($111 million) from Ajax in the summer of 2022. Unfortunately, his stint with the Red Devils has been disappointing, where he managed just 12 goals and 5 assists in 96 appearances—a statistic that left fans and critics bewildered. Consequently, the decision to loan him out to Real Betis in January appeared to be a sensible move for all parties involved.

The arrangement allowed Betis to cover 84% of Antony's substantial weekly wage of £200,000, enabling him to revive his career in La Liga. Since his arrival in Spain, Antony has significantly turned his fortunes around, contributing 8 goals (4 goals and 4 assists) in just 13 matches. This surge in form has rekindled interest from several clubs, and it now appears that Atletico Madrid has made a bold move to secure his services permanently.

Reports indicate that Atletico Madrid has submitted an enticing offer worth up to £64 million, which includes £38 million upfront and an additional £26 million in performance-related bonuses. While this figure remains unverified by independent sources, it could spark a financial windfall for Manchester United, enabling them to fund significant summer signings as they aim to rebuild their squad.

The news of Atletico's approach could pose a significant challenge for Real Betis, who have quickly fallen in love with the talented winger. Manager Manuel Pellegrini has lauded Antony's skills, stating that it is no surprise to see the hefty transfer fee he commanded, acknowledging his growth and adaptability within the team. Pellegrini emphasized, "He is demonstrating his functionality and capacity to be a practical player, showing great humility and a willingness to evolve in his career."

Betis, however, has limited financial capacity, and their record transfer, dating back to 1998, stands at just £30 million. With Antony's potential transfer fee likely surpassing any previous signing, the chances of the club bringing him on board permanently seem slim.

Antony himself has expressed contentment with his time in Spain, stating, “I am very happy here, but I do not know what will happen in the future. The most important thing was to reconnect with myself, and I found that here.” His revived confidence is evident on the pitch, as he continues to impress fans and pundits alike.

In other transfer news regarding Manchester United, they remain active in the market, reportedly keen on securing Napoli's Victor Osimhen, while also exploring less established strikers who might offer a new dimension to their attack.

As the transfer window heats up, one thing is certain: the drama around Antony's future is far from over, and fans will be eagerly watching to see where this talented player lands next. Stay tuned for more updates!