Real Madrid is stirring the transfer market with rumors that the Royal Club aims to sign Antony from Real Betis in the upcoming January 2026 transfer window. In a situation where the attacking line needs a new creative spark to support Kylian Mbappé, Antony suddenly emerges as the top target.
Antony’s Downfall at Man United and Spectacular Comeback at Betis
Antony was one of the most controversial transfers for Manchester United. Joining Old Trafford in 2022 for nearly €95 million, he was expected to be the primary right-wing attacker. However:
- 62 Premier League appearances
- Only 5 goals + 3 assists
Poor form, waning confidence, and media pressure led Antony to be labeled a “flop.” Many experts consider this one of United’s most disappointing signings in a decade.
Just as his career seemed stuck in a dead end, Antony moved to Real Betis on loan for the second half of the 2024/25 season. At Benito Villamarín, he nearly fully revived his career:
- 26 matches → 9 goals + 5 assists
- Returning form, pace, and bold dribbling skills
- Betis fans view him as a “razor-sharp threat on the wing.”
Betis quickly triggered the purchase option at a price of €22–25 million. Under Manuel Pellegrini’s guidance, Antony continued to explode in form during the 2025/26 season with 6 goals and 3 assists in 13 games. This remarkable comeback has even been described by many specialist platforms and betting communities like Agila PC as a “case study” in form revival.
Why Is Real Madrid Considering Signing Antony?
Unbalanced Attack
Kylian Mbappé is the main goal-scoring machine, but Real Madrid still relies heavily on him. Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo have not been at their best, leaving the squad lacking a creative and incisive presence on the wings.
Antony, with his 1v1 dribbling skills, ability to cut inside and shoot with his left foot, and blazing speed, can instantly provide the spark Xabi Alonso is seeking.
Brazilian Technique + La Liga Experience
Antony’s swift adaptation at Betis shows that he:
- Has no difficulty keeping up with La Liga’s pace
- Understands the Spanish football environment well
- Can quickly adjust to tactical changes when switching teams
This is a key factor. Real Madrid rarely risks signing players unproven in La Liga, but Antony has already passed this “test phase.”
Rotation Option Without Replacing Mbappé
Real Madrid needs a natural right winger to free Mbappé in the central role. Signing Antony is not to replace anyone but to ensure smooth tactical operation:
- Mbappé – central striker
- Vinicius – left wing
- Antony – right wing
Real Madrid’s Smart Approach to Signing Antony
One notable point in the rumor is that Real does not want to spend big upfront. The most talked-about scenario is a loan deal starting January 2026, with an option to buy.
- Minimizes financial risk
- Allows assessment of Antony’s integration
- Permanent purchase if he fits Xabi Alonso’s philosophy
If Real Madrid signs Antony on loan first, it will be a perfect deal to test him during the season’s critical final phase when fixture congestion demands squad rotation.
Real Betis Won’t Let Go Easily: Antony Is a Key Player
To sign Antony, Real Madrid must face Real Betis — a club that currently views him as indispensable. Recent results highlight Antony as a vital cog in Pellegrini’s system:
- He is Betis’ primary creative outlet
- His goals and assists are decisive
Betis aims for the top spots and is unlikely to sell mid-season.
Furthermore, Betis invested time and tactical effort to revive Antony. Letting him go in the winter window would risk their club objectives.
The Man United Clause: A Roadblock to the Transfer?
If Betis sells Antony, Manchester United receives 50% of the transfer fee. This clause leaves Betis with little financial incentive to sell cheaply — as half of the income goes directly to United.
Therefore, signing Antony now is most logical for Real Madrid on a loan basis. If Real wants to buy him outright, the fee will likely be no less than €45–60 million.
Betis knows well that:
- Antony’s form is improving
- Real’s interest is genuine
- The market price will only rise by summer
Tactical Benefits for Real Madrid If They Sign Antony
1v1 Ability
Among La Liga’s wingers, Antony is one of the few daring enough to challenge defenders with individual skills. He is not afraid of physical contact and frequently creates breakthrough chances.
When Vinicius is tightly marked, Real Madrid lacks this type of winger to break the deadlock.
Chemistry with Mbappé
The ideal scenario:
- Antony stays wide to stretch the right flank → forces opposition defense to shift
- Mbappé cuts inside into the penalty area → opens central space
- Valverde or Bellingham moves in to finish
Xabi Alonso’s Preference for “Game-Changers”
Xabi Alonso’s tactical style focuses on:
- High-intensity pressing
- Fast counter-attacks
- Continuous wing play
Antony fulfills all three better than Brahim Díaz, Joselu, or even Modrić, considering the right wing role alone.
Conclusion
The rumor about Real Madrid signing Antony is not unfounded. He is hitting peak form at Betis, fits Xabi Alonso’s tactical setup, and can ease Mbappé’s attacking workload on the right flank.
If Real opts for a loan with an option to buy, this will be a low-risk, strategic move with a high chance of adding immediate dynamism during the season’s crucial moments.
