Besiktas Target Antony for Major Signing

Besiktas are aiming high again – and this time their radar has locked onto Antony.

The Istanbul giants, still smarting after missing out on Mohamed Salah, have turned to the former Manchester United winger as their next marquee target, according to Turkish outlet Fanatik. Salah chose Trabzonspor, a blow that stung. Besiktas’ response has been to go after another headline name.

They want a statement signing. Someone with pedigree, someone who has lived under the brightest lights in Europe. Antony fits that brief perfectly.

From record sale to revival in Spain

The Brazilian’s journey over the last few years has been anything but quiet. In 2022 he left Ajax as their record outgoing transfer, joining Manchester United in a deal worth at least €95 million. That price tag carried weight, and expectations followed him to Old Trafford.

He never truly settled. Performances dipped, confidence wavered, and loan spells underlined how far he had drifted from that original hype. The move to Real Betis last year, for €22 million, looked like a reset – and it worked.

In Spain, Antony finally found rhythm again. He delivered 14 goals and 10 assists in all competitions last season, numbers that reminded everyone why Europe’s elite once fought for his signature. That resurgence has not gone unnoticed.

Despite his impact, Real Betis are understood to be open to a sale if the right offer lands on the table. With his contract running until mid-2030 and a current market value estimated at around €40 million, it will not be a cheap conversation.

Besiktas push on – but rivals circle

Besiktas, though, are not shying away from the challenge. They want extra quality and experience in attack before the new campaign kicks off, and they see Antony as a player who can instantly raise the ceiling of their forward line.

The obstacle is not just the fee. Clubs from across Europe’s top five leagues are tracking the Brazilian after his impressive La Liga campaign. Spanish reports suggest several sides are watching closely, ready to move if Betis show any sign of softening.

Besiktas intend to test that resolve. They are exploring every possible route to structure a deal that can work within their financial limits while still tempting Betis to sell.

If they pull it off, the right wing in Istanbul suddenly becomes one of the most intriguing battles in the league. Antony would reunite with former Ajax team-mate Václav Cerny, this time as direct competition for the same spot. Two technically gifted wide men, one position, and a club demanding instant impact.

A decisive stretch in the window

Time is now part of the tension. The window is ticking down, and Besiktas know the coming days will be critical. They must move quickly, and decisively, before rival suitors turn interest into formal bids.

For the fans, it is simple: they want a blockbuster. After the disappointment of missing Salah, landing Antony would flip the mood in an instant and send a clear message about Besiktas’ ambitions at home and in Europe.

The next offer that lands on Betis’ desk will tell us everything about how serious that ambition really is.