By John Ogunsemore
Manchester United loanee, Antony scored a last-minute screamer to help Real Betis clinch victory over Espanyol 2-1 in La Liga on Sunday night amid strong interest from Atletico Madrid.
With the game level at 1-1 in injury time, the Brazilian cut in from the right wing before curling the ball into the top right corner from outside the box.
The result has kept Manuel Pellegrini’s side sixth in La Liga and in contention for Champions League qualification.
The 25-year-old joined Manchester United from Ajax for €95 million in 2022 but endured a miserable spell at Old Trafford.
However, the midfielder claimed to have “found” himself since his loan move to Real Betis, where he has recorded 11 goal contributions since joining in January.
Meanwhile, Spanish media report that Atletico Madrid have submitted a €40 million bid for Antony although Betis are keen to keep him on a permanent deal.
INEOS are looking to offload the Brazilian and a few other big names to raise capital for Ruben Amorim’s squad restructuring drive.
Atletico have reportedly been monitoring the Brazilian player’s progress for weeks with manager Diego Simeone convinced he can provide the speed and directness his team needs to make a competitive leap forward in both LaLiga and the Champions League.
United bosses have reportedly welcomed Atletico’s €40 million bid as they are willing to part with the player for a sum that allows them to recoup part of the initial investment made when they signed him from Ajax.