Real Betis Balompié have named Nelson Deossa in the squad for the Trofeo Ciudad de Granada, a pre-season friendly against Granada CF this Saturday 25 July at 20:00 CEST in the Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes. The Colombian midfielder, linked with a loan deal including an option to buy with Vasco de Gama, remains in negotiations despite his inclusion, highlighting the uncertainty in the club’s summer market.

What’s happening with Deossa and Betis’ transfer plans?

Manager Manuel Pellegrini announced the squad on Saturday, where Deossa appears despite an initial error by the club that omitted his name from official communications. Talks with Vasco de Gama - a Brazilian side currently facing internal issues - have dragged on, though a deal could be finalized with a €12.5m loan fee if certain sporting criteria are met. Betis are expected to finalize terms in the coming hours.

Brazilian winger Antony will not travel to Granada either. After arriving late to the team’s stage in Germany and following a personalized training plan, the player is still not physically ready to make his pre-season debut. Isco Alarcón is also absent, recovering from an ankle injury and working on a controlled return to avoid setbacks. Both could feature in the next friendly against Olympique de Lyon in Marbella.

Who’s going to Granada and who’s staying behind?

The squad heading to Granada includes seven academy players: Gnangoro, Rica, Corralejo, Borja Alonso, Morante, Pablo García and Ortiz. Goalkeepers Álvaro Valles and Diego Conde are joined in defense by Bellerín, Bartra, Diego Llorente and Junior Firpo. In midfield, alongside Deossa, the likes of Marc Roca, Facundo Bernal and Riquelme are included, while Gonzalo Petit leads the attack. Manu González, the third-choice keeper, will miss the trip.

After the match, Betis will return to Sevilla to rest before their second pre-season stage in Marbella, where they will face Olympique de Lyon and Almería in two scheduled friendlies. The club, which finished last season in fifth place with 60 points and an +11 goal difference, continues pre-season with injuries and young talent integration.

What’s next for Betis in the transfer window?

Pellegrini is monitoring two key injured players: Abde, who is already running on the pitch and progressing well, and Aitor Ruibal, who still needs several weeks to rejoin the group. Meanwhile, Deossa’s future remains unresolved, with Vasco de Gama the main option but a deal yet to be confirmed. The club, which scored 59 goals and conceded 48 last season, is working to finalize its squad ahead of La Liga, where they trail league leaders Barcelona by 34 points.