Imagine a scenario where Antony’s permanent transfer to Real Betis in the summer of 2025 never materialized, and he remained at Manchester United instead. Antony, the Brazilian winger, had a challenging three-year spell at United after his big-money move from Ajax in 2022, scoring 12 goals in 96 appearances but failing to fully meet expectations. His loan to Real Betis in early 2025 rejuvenated his form, netting nine goals in 26 games and helping Betis reach the UEFA Conference League final. However, if Betis had withdrawn their offer or United had decided to keep him, the ripple effects across both clubs and La Liga could have been significant.
Had Antony stayed at Manchester United, the club would have retained a high-profile winger with Premier League experience, potentially altering their squad dynamics and transfer strategies. United might have avoided signing a replacement winger or adjusted their tactical approach under Erik ten Hag, who had already seen Antony struggle to cement a starting role. Antony’s presence could have provided more depth and competition on the flanks, possibly influencing United’s performance in domestic and European competitions. Conversely, Real Betis would have missed out on a key attacking player who contributed crucial goals and assists during their successful Conference League run.
For Real Betis, Antony’s absence would likely have forced them to seek alternative reinforcements in the transfer market, possibly delaying their squad strengthening or shifting focus to other positions. Without Antony’s attacking contributions, Betis might have struggled more in La Liga and European competitions, potentially affecting their league standing and continental ambitions. The club’s ability to attract other talents could also have been impacted, as securing a player of Antony’s profile signaled ambition and growth.
This alternate timeline also affects the broader La Liga landscape. Antony’s move to Betis added quality and excitement to the league, enhancing competition among mid-table and European-aspiring clubs. Without his transfer, the balance of power might have tilted differently, with other teams capitalizing on Betis’s relative weakening. Additionally, the transfer market dynamics involving Manchester United and La Liga clubs would have shifted, possibly influencing other deals and player movements during the 2025/26 season.
In summary, Antony remaining at Manchester United would have reshaped squad compositions, tactical plans, and competitive dynamics for both clubs and the wider La Liga environment. Betis’s rise in European competitions might have been less pronounced, while United’s squad depth and attacking options would have been stronger. This alternate history underscores how a single transfer can cascade into multiple strategic and competitive consequences across leagues.