Real Betis Launch Clothing Line with Antony to Fund Transfer

Real Betis have introduced a clothing range with new signing Antony to help cover the cost of his £21.6 mln transfer from Manchester United.

The Brazilian winger impressed during his loan spell with the club last season, convincing Betis that he was a perfect fit. However, negotiations with United stalled over a £5 mln difference in valuation, forcing Betis to seek alternative ways to raise the money.

Fashion Meets Football

The new fashion line is based on Antony’s neck tattoo, «Iluminado» — meaning «enlightened» in English. Betis chief executive Ramon Alarcón explained that the club would earn royalties through the collaboration, while Antony himself would receive income from merchandise sales outside of football.

Alarcón admitted the move carried risk, as the deal is set for five years at a significant cost, but stressed that it could bring long-term financial benefits. He described the signing as the toughest of his career, noting intense pressure from fans who had expected Antony’s arrival.

Tense Negotiations with United

Talks nearly collapsed 48 hours before the transfer deadline over a disputed payment Antony believed he was owed by United. Eventually, that claim was scrapped, though United will receive 50% of any future transfer fee.

Alarcón revealed that tensions peaked during Betis’s match against Athletic, when negotiations dragged on until the early hours of Sunday morning. United sent over a draft contract at noon, made changes, and confirmed the deal at 2am. The agreement was only finalised on Monday afternoon once the Glazer family, United’s owners, gave their approval from the United States.

Antony’s arrival was secured just in time, marking the end of what Alarcón called «one of the most problematic» transfer sagas of his career.