Manchester United: Could Jadon Sancho and Antony return to Old Trafford from loan spells?

Such has been Antony’s impact in Seville, captain Isco and former Betis winger Joaquin have joked about kidnapping the 25-year-old.

In 25 matches since he joined, Betis have won 13 and drawn eight, losing only four. The club have secured a Europa League spot by finishing sixth in La Liga and were leading 1-0 with 25 minutes remaining in Poland as they chased a first European trophy before Chelsea’s fightback.

Simon Stone, BBC Sport’s chief football news reporter, said: “The real problem is the price tag if it comes to a permanent sale.

“It is fairly obvious the club has no chance of getting back the £81.3m they paid for him. He still has two years left on his initial five-year contract, so for amortisation purposes, United still need to sell him for £32.52m – otherwise they make a loss.”

Spanish football expert and BBC Sport columnist Guillem Balague said: “Antony is already a hero in Betis. But Manchester United won’t sell for less than 50m euros (£42m). Betis will be in Europe, but I think Antony belongs at Champions League level.”

A future at Old Trafford is viewed as “impossible” by the club and player.

In an interview with TNT Sports Brazil, Antony said he has found happiness again and that his situation in England affected his family life, describing the period as “very hard days for me”.

Meanwhile, Manchester have moved on and are close to announcing Matheus Cunha’s transfer from Wolves for £62.5m.

Stone added: “We know there are going to be huge changes at Old Trafford this summer. It is impossible to think Antony will still be at the club after the transfer window closes on 1 September.”