Is it all about vision? In the summer 2022 transfer window, Manchester United signed Antony for €95 million, while Newcastle acquired Isak for €77.5 million.

The significance of a club’s scouting network and the choice of players is well illustrated by Manchester United and Newcastle. With the 2025 summer transfer window for the big five leagues now closed, Transfermarkt highlighted that Brazilian winger Antony and Swedish forward Isak arrived in the Premier League simultaneously. After three years, their careers have taken very different paths!

• In the summer 2022 window, Manchester United paid €95 million to sign Antony from Ajax. By the summer of 2025, United sold Antony to Real Betis for €22 million, resulting in a net loss of €73 million.
• In the summer 2022 transfer window, Newcastle signed Isak from Real Sociedad for €77.5 million. By summer 2025, Newcastle sold Isak to Liverpool for €145 million, making a net profit of €67.5 million.

Without comparison, there’s no pain — Antony almost seems worthless. From my perspective, Isak was the Premier League’s second top scorer last season; in terms of skill and versatility, he even surpasses Haaland. What he lacked was a top-level platform, and Liverpool is the perfect destination. Isak has the potential to become a superstar striker there. Antony’s failure at Manchester United doesn’t mean he can’t succeed at Betis. Judging by his form in the latter half of last season, Antony was the best right winger in La Liga and a major fan favorite. He has the ability but needs confidence and a supportive team environment. I believe Antony can regain his form and experience a career revival at Betis.