Real Betis Balompié's heavy defeat to Levante has not altered the club's plans for the closing stages of the transfer market. The sporting direction and board are sticking to their strategy despite the setback at the Ciutat de Valencia this week. The team, sitting sixth in La Liga with six points, aims to strengthen for a Champions League push.
Which players will leave Betis?
The immediate priority is to facilitate the departures of Gonzalo Petit and Iker Losada. The club is also negotiating the exit of homegrown player Pablo García, a secondary figure in the rotation, hoping to make a significant capital gain. These operations would free up squad space and salary limit, which is nearly exhausted after the signings of Facundo Bernal, Fran García, Diego Conde, and Troy Parrott. Currently, only one squad slot is available, pending the exits of Losada, who wears the number 14 shirt, and another midfielder.
Who is the candidate to leave in midfield?
Betis plans for the departure of one of its seven midfielders. A strong candidate is Jhonatan Deossa, whose agent is in talks with various teams after a potential move to Vasco de Gama fell through earlier in the summer. The player has been reluctant to leave the club, but manager Manuel Pellegrini continues to include him in matchday squads as long as he remains part of the roster. A similar situation exists with Pablo García, also named in the Chilean coach's lists.
What reinforcements is Betis targeting?
The primary reinforcement target, and practically a commitment to the fans, is the signing of free agent Dani Ceballos. His arrival would fill the position currently not occupied by Álvaro Fidalgo, who has been absent from the first three matches. "There's absolutely nothing" regarding Fidalgo, according to a source close to the club. Pellegrini also prioritises signing a defensive midfielder, a role for which Sofyan Amrabat was considered before he agreed to join Ajax after terminating his contract with Fenerbahçe.
What if a major offer arrives?
The Betis board is waiting to see if a major offer arrives for one of its most valuable assets, such as Natan or Abde. Selling either player would provide the resources for more ambitious market operations. However, the work plan has not changed following the 4-0 defeat, which leaves the team with four goals scored and five conceded this season.
What does this mean for the next fixture?
The immediate focus returns to the pitch, where Betis must react. Their next challenge is a major one: hosting Real Madrid at the Benito Villamarín on September 4th. The Verdiblancos, one point behind leaders Atlético Madrid, need to get a result against the fourth-placed side to maintain their aspirations. The current squad, which you can check on our squad page, will have to show its strength against elite opposition. All fixture information is available in our fixtures section.
