Real Betis is reportedly considering Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa as an alternative target if their attempt to secure Manchester United loanee Antony on loan does not materialize. The Spanish club is eager to strengthen its squad with a skilled winger and views Chiesa as a suitable candidate to fill that role in case the deal for Antony falls through.
According to Football Espana, Betis is optimistic about arranging another loan spell for Antony from Manchester United, but they acknowledge the possibility that the Red Devils might reject such a move. Consequently, Betis is exploring options and sees Chiesa as the primary fallback choice. Liverpool is more open to selling Chiesa, as the club plans to bring in Florian Wirtz, and Chiesa himself is reportedly willing to leave in search of more regular playing time.
Chiesa Reflects on His Time at Liverpool and Future Prospects
Federico Chiesa recently spoke with the Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport about his challenging first season at Liverpool. He described adapting to his new environment as difficult, noting the abrupt changes he faced after joining on August 26. Chiesa said:
“The year is over. But it’s an experience I would do again. Soon I will sit down at the table with the club, Fali (Ramadani, his agent) and my family to find the best solution. I wouldn’t mind staying in Liverpool at all. You accept the choices as a professional and you move on. In the first few months there were many difficulties, if you think that I arrived in Liverpool on August 26 and found myself catapulted to another planet, with other teammates, without having trained with them.”
—Federico Chiesa, Liverpool Winger
He added further about the obstacles he encountered, including an injury and the adjustment period under manager Erik ten Hag:
“At the beginning I felt the frustration of the radical change and of being far behind the group, then there was the injury. Could I start to discuss the choices of Slot who has always been very respectful towards me, as well as the club? The desire to play was there, I put it aside, I understood the situation,” he added.
—Federico Chiesa, Liverpool Winger
Transfer Conditions for Antony and Manchester United’s Plans
Manchester United is reportedly open to selling Antony but has placed a €35 million price tag on the winger, complicating Betis’s efforts to secure the player again on loan. The English club is looking to offload players not fitting into the manager’s plans, as is Liverpool, which is actively reshaping its squad ahead of the new season.
Isco Encourages Betis Fans to Support Antony’s Stay
Real Betis midfielder Isco recently expressed his admiration for Antony’s impact since arriving on loan, joking that the club should consider a crowdfunding campaign to keep him for another season. Speaking towards the end of the 2024-25 season, Isco highlighted Antony’s humility and positive influence on the team. He said (via ESPN):
“We need to crowdfund so he can stay at least another year. I’m happy to be able to enjoy Antony. He has surprised us all with his humility and with his willingness to help and add. We have noticed a change since he arrived. We are happy for him and for the team.”
—Isco, Real Betis Midfielder
Both Manchester United and Liverpool are undergoing squad adjustments, aiming to sell or loan players who no longer align with their managers‘ strategies, leaving Betis to navigate a competitive market for wing positions.
Implications for Real Betis and the Upcoming Season
Real Betis’s pursuit of either Antony or Federico Chiesa reflects their ambition to build a dynamic squad capable of competing effectively in domestic and European competitions. Should the loan for Antony fail and Betis succeed in acquiring Chiesa, the team would gain an experienced attacker eager for regular playtime. Conversely, securing Antony would provide continuity given his current integration into Betis’s system.
As transfer negotiations progress, Betis’s decisions will significantly influence their offensive strategy and squad depth for the forthcoming season, with both potential signings carrying distinct benefits and challenges in outlook and cost.