Since <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/antony/">Antony</a>’s arrival in January, Real Betis has emerged as one of the most in-form teams in La Liga, even pushing for a UEFA Champions League spot. Amid this strong run, team star <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/isco/">Isco</a> has revealed an unusual idea to help secure Antony’s permanent signing from Manchester United.



The Brazilian’s time at Old Trafford was marred by frustration and inconsistency, affecting not only his performance but the overall dynamic of the team. However, since moving to Spain, Antony has become a key figure at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-betis/">Betis</a>—a contribution not lost on former Real Madrid star Isco, who jokingly suggested a collective effort to keep him.



“We need to start a crowdfunding campaign to keep him for at least one more year. We’ve noticed a change since he arrived—he brings us so much,” said the team captain to DAZN.



One of the main obstacles Betis faced when securing Antony’s loan was covering his wages. After lengthy negotiations with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/manchester-united/">Manchester United</a>, the Spanish club agreed to cover 84% of the player’s £180,000-per-week salary, with no loan fee included until the end of the season.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250331_WST_563040_Antony-Isco-Real-Betis-1200x675_afeef7f5.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-563041" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/03/31120629/Antony-Isco-Real-Betis-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/03/31120629/Antony-Isco-Real-Betis-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/03/31120629/Antony-Isco-Real-Betis-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/03/31120629/Antony-Isco-Real-Betis-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/03/31120629/Antony-Isco-Real-Betis-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/03/31120629/Antony-Isco-Real-Betis-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/03/31120629/Antony-Isco-Real-Betis-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/03/31120629/Antony-Isco-Real-Betis.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



According to Sport, United reportedly set Antony’s price tag at €50 million—a fee well beyond Betis’ financial capabilities. Still, if the club is to retain him permanently or even extend the loan for another season, qualifying for the Champions League could be the deciding factor.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/marcus-rashford-addresses-lack-of-minutes-under-amorim-at-manchester-united-after-first-goals-for-aston-villa/"></div>


<h2>Real Betis aiming for the Champions League with Antony</h2>



Antony’s impact at Betis has been evident both statistically and in terms of results. In just 12 appearances, he has tallied 4 goals and 4 assists. His influence was clear in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Sevilla, a victory that ended a 12-match winless streak in the Seville derby—Betis’ last derby win came in the 2018–19 season.



Since Antony’s arrival, Betis has played eight La Liga matches, collecting 19 points—more than Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, and trailing only FC Barcelona (24). This impressive run has pulled Betis level on points with Villarreal (47), putting them firmly in the hunt for a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/champions-league/">Champions League</a> spot.



“We allow ourselves to dream about everything we’re earning. We’re tied with Villarreal in the race for the Champions League, and now we have an exciting final stretch ahead,” said Isco, who is also aiming to lead Betis deep into the UEFA Conference League.

Real Betis star Isco reveals unusual plan to secure Antony’s signing from Manchester United

Real Betis star Isco reveals unusual plan to secure Antony's signing from Manchester United - World Soccer Talk

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Among Spain’s soccer players, Isco ranks high for both ability and creativity. In the vibrant cauldron of the Benito Villamarin, a star once dimmed found his light again. 



Isco, the former <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> maestro, had rediscovered his magic in the green and white of Real Betis.



But as with all great stories, there came a twist of fate that has unfortunately scuppered his dream resurrection. For Isco, the journey to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-betis-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers">Betis</a> was more than just a transfer; it was a lifeline.



After his illustrious tenure with Los Blancos, where he clinched five European Cups, his career had taken a downward spiral. Once the darling of the Santiago Bernabeu, he found himself sidelined under multiple managers, his brilliance fading into obscurity.



The final years at Madrid were tough. He started only one league game in the 2021-2022 season and played a mere 400 minutes in his final year. 



A move to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/sevilla-disappointing-downfall-20221224-WST-413083.html">Sevilla promised a resurgence</a>, but it ended abruptly amid a backstage altercation with the club’s sporting director.



Brief stints and failed negotiations elsewhere followed, leaving the midfielder in professional limbo. 



Yet, Betis saw an opportunity where others saw a gamble. The decision to sign him was swift, driven by sporting director Ramon Planes and coach Manuel Pellegrini, who had a history with the player. “It’s a chance to prove himself,” Planes stated, and Isco seized it with both hands.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="421" height="340" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240518_WST_507603_image-29_8b0aa17d.webp&amp;width=421&amp;height=340" alt="" class="wp-image-507634" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/image-29.png 421w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/image-29-300x242.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 421px) 100vw, 421px"></figure><figcaption>Isco had been in great form</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Impressive numbers for Euro 2024 squad spot</h2>



From the moment he donned the Green-and-Whites jersey, the 32-year-old was a revelation. Pellegrini’s faith was rewarded as the midfielder delivered performances reminiscent of his prime. He became the heart of the team, orchestrating play, scoring goals, and leading by example.



His current accomplishment in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">La Liga</a> is noteworthy since it surpassed even <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/cristiano-ronaldo-hits-back-at-critics-claiming-his-career-is-over-20230924-WST-458289.html">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>‘s feats. The 32-year-old has been outstanding this season, contributing eight goals and five assists. However, his Man of the Match total is really remarkable. In just 28 games, he was named the MOTM 19 times, a testament to his renewed vigor and undeniable talent.



When compared to Ronaldo’s finest season in Spain, this total is even more impressive. Based on the data provided by the <a href="https://www.messivsronaldo.app/detailed-stats/man-of-the-match-awards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Messi versus Ronaldo app</a>, Roanldo earned 17 MOTM accolades in La Liga in 2014-15.



Betis fans have watched in awe as Isco, now fitter and more determined than ever, danced through defenses with the grace and skill that once made him a star at Madrid. His touch is sublime, his vision unparalleled, and his ability to change the game almost magical.



A lot of people have taken note of Isco’s dominant performances, and many are wondering whether Spain would bring him to Euro 2024. Luis de la Fuente, coach of La Rioja, has even acknowledged that he seems to be considering the player.



“Isco is a player that I really like and who is having a great season. This Sunday, he played a spectacular game. The truth is that he can, he can be with us”, <a href="https://www.cope.es/programas/el-partidazo-de-cope/noticias/nacho-isco-entran-los-planes-fuente-para-eurocopa-20240516_3301709" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said the coach</a>.



<h2>What did Real Betis say?</h2>



Isco hasn’t had an appearance for Spain since 2019. That was the year that Real Madrid benched him. After starting 36 of Real Madrid’s 49 games in the 2017-18 season, his starting status vanished.



However, on a fateful Thursday evening, the joy turned to despair. As Betis visited Las Palmas away, Isco suffered a serious injury to his calf and had to be removed from the game. His agony was palpable as he signaled to be substituted, his face contorted in pain and disappointment.



Therefore, Real Betis’s confirmation of the seriousness of his injury on Thursday crushed his dreams of being included in the Euro 2024 team. They announced that the veteran would not be participating in the tournament due to a broken fibula in his left leg.



“After the tests carried out on Isco Alarcon today, it is confirmed that the player has suffered a diaphyseal fracture in his left fibula. The Club’s medical services will assess the need for surgical intervention to resolve the injury in the next few hours”, <a href="https://en.realbetisbalompie.es/news/latest_news/isco-suffered-a-diaphyseal-fracture-in-his-left-fibula-30159" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">they said in a statement</a>



Photo credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto.

Bad luck: Sad blow dashes Isco's Euro 2024 dream with Spain

Isco rediscovered his magic at Real Betis. But as with all great stories, came a twist of fate that has unfortunately scuppered his dream.

Bad luck: Sad blow dashes Isco's Euro 2024 dream with Spain - World Soccer Talk

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Real Betis star Isco reveals unusual plan to secure Antony’s signing from Manchester United

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Bad luck: Sad blow dashes Isco's Euro 2024 dream with Spain