Manchester United were hit by a Friday night transfer bombshell after Real Betis dramatically announced they are pulling out of their move for Antony, despite agreeing a £21.6million move for the Brazilian.

In a 33-word statement, the Spanish club – who helped bring the £85m flop back to his best form during a loan spell earlier this year – revealed they could not afford the financial package agreed with United.

Earlier on Friday, United agreed a £21.6m package that included a 50 per cent sell-on clause, and gave Antony permission to travel to Spain to finalise terms.

However, a dispute remains over personal terms, a severance payment and a shortfall in wages that Antony’s camp say has still to be agreed.

Despite their bid being accepted, Betis declared that they are walking away due to the overall cost of the deal.

A club statement read: ‘There is no agreement and we have withdrawn the transfer offer because Real Betis can’t afford the transfer fee and the amounts that Manchester United must [instead] pay the player before the transfer.’

Real Betis have pulled out of of their move for Antony, despite agreeing a deal with Man United
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Real Betis have pulled out of of their move for Antony, despite agreeing a deal with Man United

The move is being held up over Antony's hefty wage demands and the overall expenses
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The move is being held up over Antony’s hefty wage demands and the overall expenses

The Brazilian winger had dinner with his friends and Betis' representatives on Friday night
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The Brazilian winger had dinner with his friends and Betis’ representatives on Friday night

United privately believe it is a negotiating tactic as all parties wait on Antony accepting the severance terms on offer.

Betis, meanwhile, claim United must come back to them with a lower overall package for a deal to be agreed.

It is currently unclear whether Antony will also now lower his terms to make the move happen.

Antony, who had dinner with friends and representatives on Friday night, has two years left on his contract at Old Trafford.

In his first weeks at Betis earlier this year, the 25-year-old was nominated for the LaLiga Player of the Month award and he went on to score five league goals and contribute two assists across 15 starts.

Although he won the FA Cup and the League Cup with United, Antony has endured much frustration at Old Trafford.

In total, he has played 96 games and has scored 12 goals for the club, while he has provided nine assists.

Antony has 16 caps for Brazil, with his most recent appearance for his country coming in 2023. He received a recall to the squad in June but was an unused substitute for games against Ecuador and Paraguay.