Antony, Manchester United’s €100million Problem
For INEOS, a regime intending to get to grips with Manchester United’s status as a loss-making enterprise, the potential €100million deal to bring Antony to Old Trafford stands out as a particularly acute example of the kind of lavish spending that has put the club in a precarious financial position.
The Truth Behind the Transfer
With the Brazilian now in the Spanish city of Seville, having joined La Liga’s Real Betis on loan until the end of the season, United fans will be left contemplating how a player with such a price tag — £84.1million/$105.1m at the current exchange rate, the second-most expensive transfer in the club’s history — could deliver just 12 goals and five assists in two and a half seasons.
The truth is that United knew they were paying over the odds even at the time, according to sources familiar with the matter, speaking to The Athletic on condition of anonymity to protect relationships.
The Salary Discrepancy
The disparity in Antony’s wage compared to his transfer fee is evidence of United appreciating that they were paying an excessive amount, even when signing the paperwork. Antony agreed terms worth £140,000 per week for seasons when United are in the Champions League, plus bonuses based on individual performances, but because they are only competing in the second-tier Europa League this term, his salary has been around £105,000 a week.
Antony’s representatives had, when negotiating his deal, pitched at £250,000 per week, which would typically be commensurate with a transfer involving such a fee. Securing that would have represented a five-fold rise on what he had been earning at his previous club, Ajax of the Netherlands.
The Leverage
However, his leverage in talks with United was weakened because he had told Ajax he wanted the move and, in his attempts to secure it, he stopped turning up for training in the closing days of that summer 2022 window. Figures at United were able to push back in contract talks, knowing Antony was desperate to join the Premier League club and they intimated improved terms could be on the cards if he did well, but that he would have to accept entry-level terms at first.
The Loan Move to Real Betis
Sticking to a relatively modest salary for a club of their revenue meant United had options when surveying the market for Antony this window. Betis, whose median salary is around £40,000 per week, according to Capology, could afford to push the boat out a little for the 24-year-old. They will cover 84 per cent of his wage at a minimum, plus potential bonuses based on achievements, with only former Real Madrid and Spain forward Isco thought to be earning more than him in their squad.
Conclusion
Antony’s loan move to Real Betis is a significant development, as it provides an opportunity for him to rediscover his form and raise his value ahead of a potential permanent summer exit. United will hope that he can enjoy a productive spell at Betis and increase his value, which could potentially lead to a more suitable transfer fee for the club. However, the reality is that United’s investment in Antony has not yet yielded the desired returns, and his departure may be the best option for all parties involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Manchester United sign Antony for such a high fee?
A: United signed Antony for £84.1million, with sources suggesting they knew they were paying over the odds, but Antony’s representatives had pitched at a higher fee.
Q: Why is Antony’s salary so low compared to his transfer fee?
A: Antony’s salary is around £105,000 per week, which is relatively modest for a club of United’s revenue. His representatives had initially asked for £250,000 per week.
Q: Why did United sign Antony instead of other options?
A: United chose Antony over other options, including Raphinha and Cody Gakpo, who cost their new clubs £14million more in combined fees.
Q: What is the future of Antony at Manchester United?
A: Antony’s future at United is uncertain, with his loan move to Real Betis potentially paving the way for a permanent exit in the summer.