Real Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso has expressed his hope that former Manchester United winger Antony will display his most "contagious" form in their upcoming Europa League match against Nottingham Forest. The game marks Nottingham Forest's return to continental competition for the first time since the 1995/96 season and will take place at Betis' temporary home, La Cartuja, while their stadium undergoes redevelopment.

Antony's journey to Real Betis involved a permanent transfer from Manchester United after a loan spell. Following a change in management at Manchester United, where Erik ten Hag, who initially brought Antony to the club, was replaced by Ruben Amorim in November 2024, Antony found himself out of favor. Subsequently, he was loaned to Real Betis in January 2025 for the remainder of the season before securing a permanent move in the summer.

Lo Celso acknowledged the difficulties Antony faced during the transfer negotiations with English clubs, stating that "They won't let you train, things get difficult". Despite these challenges, Lo Celso highlighted Antony's positive impact since joining Betis, emphasizing the "danger feeling" he brings every time he touches the ball, describing it as "very contagious" and a "great addition to the team".

Antony's initial struggles at Manchester United were well-documented. Signed from Ajax for a substantial £85 million, he faced difficulties in making a significant impact, scoring only nine goals in all competitions during his three seasons with the club. Injuries and competition from other players also hampered his progress. Despite the challenges, former manager Erik ten Hag maintained his belief in Antony's potential, citing his effectiveness and high productivity during their time together at Ajax.

Since joining Real Betis, Antony has shown promising signs of a career revival. He played a crucial role in their Europa Conference League campaign, scoring four goals, including one in each of the semi-final legs against Fiorentina. His performances have drawn praise, with some suggesting that he is proving ten Hag right in his initial assessment of the player's capabilities.

In a match against fierce rivals Sevilla, Antony played the entire 90 minutes, demonstrating his intensity and winning seven out of eleven ground duels. He also expressed his delight by waving a Real Betis flag after the match. Isco, a fellow Real Betis player, jokingly suggested the need for "crowdfunding to bring Antony in".

However, negotiations between Real Betis and Manchester United for a permanent transfer faced hurdles, with initial offers falling short of United's asking price. Despite interest from other clubs, Antony reportedly prioritized a move to Betis. Eventually, Antony's permanent transfer to Real Betis was completed on September 1, 2025.

As Real Betis prepares to face Nottingham Forest in the Europa League, the team and its fans are hopeful that Antony will be at his best. His contributions will be vital as Real Betis aims to make a strong start in the competition.