Real Betis Balompié are pushing ahead with plans to sign Villarreal goalkeeper Diego Conde on loan for the upcoming season, with a potential buy option included. According to ElDesmarque, the move would replace Pau López, who is close to joining Andorra. The 27-year-old Madrid-born keeper, who joined Villarreal in summer 2024 from Leganés and was the least-goals-conceded goalkeeper in Segunda División, fits the club’s need for a reliable backup. With the team sitting 15th in La Liga and yet to score or concede this season, Betis seeks to bolster its goalkeeping ranks without splashing out on a permanent deal.

Why Betis wants Diego Conde

The Verdiblanco board values Conde’s Spanish top-flight experience and the chance to land him without a transfer fee. The keeper, already scouted by Sevilla earlier this window for €2 million, brings competition to Álvaro Valles, who claimed the No. 1 shirt after López managed just 16 games last season before injury sidelined him. A third-choice arrival, Manu González, will join first-team training after the pre-season camp in Germany, while Guilherme Fernandes is set to leave for Córdoba.

Pau López’s exit to Andorra inches closer

López’s move to Andorra is advancing rapidly. The Gerundense, who still has two years left on his Betis contract until June 2028, is willing to walk away from them to finalize the deal. Personal and family reasons-particularly his proximity to Girona-drove the decision, though Mallorca also showed interest. His departure leaves Betis needing a reliable second-choice keeper for a campaign packed with three competitions.

What’s next for Betis in the transfer window?

With Valles entrenched as starter and Conde on the brink of arrival, the Verdiblanco front office is tying up loose ends. González will slot into third-choice duties after the German camp, while Fernandes’ exit to Córdoba is all but done. The club’s transfer activity reflects a push to balance squad depth without heavy spending as it eyes survival and cup runs with zero goals scored or conceded so far this season.