Real Betis Balompié has confirmed it will continue its youth licence policy, extending José Antonio Morante's contract until 2030 and keeping several youngsters in the first‑team roster. Sitting 5th in La Liga with 60 points and a recent WLWDW form, the strategy aims to broaden the squad without using professional slots.

What does the licence plan entail?

The club decided that players staying in the first‑team environment will be registered with the lower‑division sides, wearing numbers 26 and above, thus not occupying the 25 main‑team slots. This allows for 27‑28 available players to rotate across league, Copa del Rey and European matches, a key factor for a club targeting three‑front competition.

Who are the key figures?

Manu González, European U‑19 champion, is slated as third goalkeeper, training daily with Álvaro Valles and Pau López. José Antonio Morante, top scorer of the European U‑19 tournament and freshly renewed, also features in the plan. Additionally, Iván Corralejo and other academy players are in the pre‑season ‘stage’ in Germany, gaining minutes with the reserve side.

How does this impact the European list?

To meet the List B requirements, Betis needs four home‑grown players. Currently, Álvaro Valles and Junior Firpo already qualify, joined by Ortiz and potentially Pablo García, who could still qualify by age. The fate of these youngsters will be crucial to free up spots and strengthen the squad without exceeding the 25‑player limit.

Which decisions remain?

Pablo García has several loan or transfer offers with a buy‑back clause, while Ángel Ortiz's future hinges on manager Manuel Pellegrini's assessment and the possible signing of a right‑back such as Bellerín or Ruibal. Whatever the outcome, the club has made clear that youth will remain the foundation of its project.

What does this mean for the season?

With 59 goals scored and 48 conceded (+11 goal difference), Betis sits 34 points behind leaders Barcelona. Keeping academy players on the list gives the club the flexibility to handle the demands of three competitions without sacrificing squad quality, allowing room for signings that can "kill two birds with one stone".