Antony hailed as ‘best signing in Real Betis’ history’ after dazzling Europa League display
The ex-Man Utd winger starred against Nottingham Forest in midweek.
Antony’s performance against Nottingham Forest offered another reminder of why Real Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo considers the Brazilian winger possibly “the most important signing” in the club’s history.
The 25-year-old has revitalised his career in Spain after a difficult period at Manchester United, where he never came close to living up to his €95 million transfer fee from Ajax in 2022.
Add-ons could have taken the deal to €100m, but Antony struggled for consistency and slipped out of Erik ten Hag’s plans at Old Trafford.
After initially joining Betis on loan in January, he impressed enough to earn a permanent move on deadline day this summer, with the final agreement worth up to €25m.
United inserted a clause entitling them to 50% of any future sale.
Antony underlined his value in Wednesday’s Europa League opener, creating one goal and scoring another late on to seal a 2-2 draw against Forest.
Speaking to PA news agency, Betis sporting director Fajardo said: “I am 100% sure that maybe Antony is the most important signing in Betis’ history.
“Everything [about the signing] because the talent, the level of the player, the level of the club as Manchester United – a big team, a big project, so I am 100% sure that Antony is the best signing in Betis’ history.”
Antony has been embraced by fans in Seville, where he has become a central figure in Manuel Pellegrini’s team. His creativity and goals were crucial as Betis reached their first-ever European final last season, though they were beaten 4-1 by Chelsea in the Conference League.
Driving Betis’ Growth
Fajardo believes Antony’s arrival is symbolic of the club’s rising stature: “When players like Antony comes to Betis, it’s very, very important. It helps Betis to continue growing in Europe. Last season since Antony arrived, we got to play in a European final.
“Antony, players like Gio [Lo Celso] and Isco, are very, very important because they are the example that Betis continues growing, that we are a serious club in Europe and players in the top level want to come to play in Betis.”
Despite operating with financial limits far below those of Premier League sides, Betis continue to combine shrewd recruitment with high-profile signings. The redevelopment of their Benito Villamarin stadium reflects the ambition behind the project.
Looking Ahead
While Betis cannot compete financially with English clubs, Fajardo insists the passion and ambition of players like Antony can help them challenge for European honours.
“For Betis it is not easy to sign players from Premier League, because the difference in respect to the salary between the Premier League and LaLiga is too big.
“But when a player like Antony, for example, wants to come to Betis it’s easier.
“Antony only thought to play in Betis again, so when you have a negotiation with a big club in Manchester United, a club that paid a big amount for Antony, it’s not easy. But the player wants to play in Betis.”