Real Betis Balompié kick off season with optimism and new signings

Real Betis Balompié unveiled Facundo Bernal, Fran García and Diego Conde on Saturday as three new signings set to bolster an ambitious project in a crucial season. Sporting director Manu Fajardo and president Ángel Haro reviewed the club’s current situation in a media briefing, highlighting Isco Alarcón’s recovery and transfer-market plans. The club, which finished last term fifth with 60 points, enters the summer aiming to secure its Champions League spot and improve a 59-for, 48-against goal difference (+11).

What did Fajardo and Haro say at the unveiling?

Manu Fajardo opened by thanking every club department and officially welcoming the three new players. "Fran García, welcome back. Facundo Bernal, Diego Conde, you’re part of this family," the sporting director said, stressing the family atmosphere around the team. Haro, for his part, praised the collective effort during transfer season and the importance of the fans who pack every corner of Benito Villamarín.

On Isco Alarcón’s recovery, Fajardo struck an upbeat note: "The timing is set by the medical staff. Isco is hitting every milestone and today he completed training at 100%." He also mentioned coordination with manager Manuel Pellegrini to manage workloads and avoid rushing the Spain international’s comeback.

Transfer window: priorities and wage cap

The sporting director laid out the roadmap for the coming weeks, focusing on shoring up key positions. While no further names beyond the three unveiled were advanced, Fajardo stressed the need to respect the club’s wage cap, a recurring topic in recent weeks. "We’re happy with the work done, but the margin is tight," he said, without ruling out moves until the window closes.

Haro, meanwhile, confirmed that work on Benito Villamarín is progressing as planned. "Conditions are right to bring in more additions if the market allows," he said, though he warned that everything hinges on available opportunities.

Isco Alarcón, Abde Ezzalzouli and other absentees

Fajardo also addressed the status of other key players. On Abde Ezzalzouli, he confirmed the winger is still recovering and the club trusts he’ll return within the set timelines. Regarding Dani Ceballos, Nelson Deossa and Gonzalo García, the sporting director avoided specifics, simply noting that "situations are handled professionally."

The club, which ended the 2025 season fifth -34 points behind Barcelona-, enters this summer needing to close the gap. With 60 points from 38 games (15 wins, 15 draws and eight losses), Real Betis Balompié aim to take a quality leap in a league dominated by the Camp Nou, Santiago Bernabéu and Metropolitano trio.