Real Betis Balompié wrapped up its summer signings on Friday by unveiling three new additions -Fran García, Facundo Bernal and Diego Conde- at the Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol. Sporting director Manu Fajardo addressed Isco’s return timeline, Dani Ceballos rumors, and the club’s striker search in an exclusive interview after the unveiling. The Andalusian side finished 5th in La Liga last season with 60 points (15 wins, 15 draws, 8 losses) and a +11 goal difference, and now eyes a stronger campaign with Champions League football on the line.

What did Manu Fajardo say about Isco?

Betis fans can breathe easy. Isco is sticking to the recovery schedule after his meniscus surgery. He completed his first full training session yesterday and today is managing his workload to avoid setbacks, Fajardo said. The director stressed that yesterday’s session was a minor milestone and urged patience. "There’s no need to worry," he added. The team, which averaged 1.55 goals scored per game in 2024/25, faces a demanding year with European football returning to the agenda.

Transfer window: clear priorities and a striker target

Fajardo confirmed the club is sticking to its plan: the three new signings -García (left-back), Bernal (center-back) and Conde (winger)- fit the project. "We’re very happy because they were our top targets," he said. On the striker hunt, the sporting director noted they know exactly what profile they need, though the post-World Cup market is "very inflated." Betis scored 59 goals and conceded 48 last season (+11 goal difference), but still need to improve up front to compete in Europe.

Ceballos and Deossa: return or exit?

On Dani Ceballos, Fajardo was blunt: "There’s no significant update. We have a roadmap with priority positions. Dani’s name is there, but I’m not focusing on him or anyone else." Deossa’s future remains open despite his uneven 2024/25 campaign. "He has strong market value and clubs are willing to pay big figures," Fajardo admitted. Any move would need to benefit all parties, though the priority is the first team.

Abde and Gonzalo García: recoveries and rumors

Fajardo said Abde is on track with his muscle-injury recovery. The winger is progressing "very positively" and could return sooner than expected, though the club is avoiding firm dates amid "noise around different interests." On Gonzalo García, the sporting director made clear his situation hinges on Real Madrid: "When a club doesn’t put a player on the market, there are no negotiations for him."

Betis enters pre-season with cautious optimism. 34 points behind Barcelona in last season’s final table, the aim is to repeat in Europe and make the Champions League step up. Fajardo closed with a message of responsibility: "I’ve been here three years, qualifying for Europe, reaching a continental final, and now the Champions. We’re ready."