Real Betis management admits the difficulty of signing Antony

It was a big risk for the club to sign the Brazilian.

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In what represents one of the most creatively structured deals in recent football history, Real Betis have secured the signature of Brazilian winger Antony—though the transaction required unprecedented financial innovation rather than traditional negotiation tactics.

Facing a seemingly insurmountable €6 million gap in valuation with Manchester United, Betis CEO Ramón Alarcón revealed the club devised an unconventional solution: the immediate launch of an Antony-branded merchandise collection. “This is the toughest transfer I've managed as CEO, because of the immense pressure from Real Betis supporters. There was a moment when we thought it wouldn't happen at all, because Manchester United's stance was so firm.”

The arrangement sees both the club and player sharing royalties from merchandise sales, effectively turning Antony's commercial appeal into an asset that helped bridge the financial divide. “We launched a clothing line under the Antony brand. We receive royalties from this, and he will also share in the merchandising profits. If he becomes a global star, Real Betis will recoup their investment.”

Alarcón acknowledged the significant risk involved in the five-year commitment, but emphasized the potential reward should the Brazilian fulfill his world-class potential. The deal ultimately represents a bold bet on both Antony's talent and marketability—a calculated gamble that the player's success on the pitch will translate directly to financial returns off it.

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