Cedric Bakambu has left Real Betis Balompié and signed for San Diego FC in Major League Soccer. The 35-year-old forward, whose contract with the Verdiblancos ended on June 30, moves to the United States as a free agent.
The Congolese international signed a deal with the Californian side covering the 2026 MLS season. The agreement includes an option to extend it through the 2027 MLS Sprint season and the 2027-28 campaign. Bakambu leaves Betis after playing 74 official matches in the green-and-white shirt, 36 of them as a starter. During that time he scored 15 goals and provided 7 assists across all competitions.
What does Bakambu bring to San Diego FC?
San Diego FC's sporting director, Tyler Heaps, highlighted the qualities of the new signing. "Cedric will bring incredible experience and proven quality to San Diego FC," said Heaps. The executive added that the forward "has forged an exceptional career competing at the highest level in Europe and internationally, and his ability to score goals regularly has been a fundamental characteristic of his game."
Bakambu arrives in MLS with a career tally of 492 club appearances. He has scored 191 goals and provided 39 assists in those matches. His last major event was the 2026 World Cup, where he represented the Democratic Republic of Congo. His departure comes as Real Betis sits seventh in La Liga, with 6 points after three matchdays. Manuel Pellegrini's team has two wins and one loss, with a record of 4 goals scored and 5 conceded.
How does this affect Betis's attack?
Bakambu's exit opens a spot in the Verdiblanco squad that the club will need to manage. The Congolese striker was an option for experience and goals off the bench. His departure adds to the injury absences of other key players. Currently, Betis has Aitor Ruibal, Diego Conde, and Giovani Lo Celso on the injured list, a situation that can be checked on the club's injuries page.
The team is three points behind leaders Barcelona in the standings. The next fixture is an away trip to Villarreal on September 14. The Yellow Submarine occupies fifteenth place, making it an important match to maintain the positive results streak. The full season schedule is available in the fixtures section.
What was Bakambu's journey at Betis?
Cedric Bakambu arrived at Real Betis in the 2022 winter transfer window. He quickly won the affection of the fans for his commitment and decisive goals. Although not always a starter, he knew how to contribute in key moments. His last goal for the Seville-based team came last April in a league match. Now he begins a new adventure in North American soccer, where San Diego FC trusts that his experience and goal-scoring instinct will be valuable assets.
Real Betis, for its part, continues its path in La Liga with an eye on the match against Villarreal. The squad, which can be reviewed on the official squad page, will look to add three more points to move closer to the top positions. Bakambu's departure closes one chapter and clears the way for other forwards in the team to take on more prominence in this early phase of the 2026-27 season.
