Real Betis Balompié is already in Germany and, under Manu Fajardo, has begun shaping the squad that will compete in the 2026‑27 Champions League. In the first ten days of the market, the club has completed several exits and two arrivals that mark the start of Manuel Pellegrini's seventh project.

What transfers has Betis made?

The team has said goodbye to Adrián San Miguel, who will move into a directorial role, and to Ricardo Rodríguez and Cédric Bakambu, whose contracts have expired. Chimy Ávila also left by triggering his clause, while Sergio Altimira became the first major summer sale, moving to Sporting Portugal for €18.25 million plus variables. Additionally, Nobel Mendy and Mateo Flores departed, signing for Rayo Vallecano and Arouca respectively.

Who is arriving to strengthen the squad?

With salary space and several vacant spots, Betis has reinforced the midfield and left‑back positions. Uruguayan Facundo Bernal fills the role vacated by Altimira, and Fran García arrives as a starter on the left flank, replacing Rodríguez. Fajardo is already working on securing a pivot to cover Sofyan Amrabat's departure, and potential striker names are being discussed to compete with Cucho Hernández for the main attacking role.

How does this impact the short‑term project?

The club sits 5th in La Liga, 60 pts, 15W-15D-8L from 38 games, recent form WLWDW, with 59 goals scored, 48 conceded (+11 goal difference) and is 34 points behind leaders Barcelona in the title race. These numbers highlight the need for quality upgrades to compete domestically and in Europe. Bernal and García aim to stabilise the defence and add creativity, while the hunt for a proven striker seeks to boost the goal average.

Which decisions remain pending?

Three loanees —Guilherme, Iker Losada and Gonzalo Petit— will return, and academy prospect Pablo García has offers on the table. The sporting direction will decide whether Manu González stays as third‑choice keeper or if another youngster, such as Morante or Corralejo, joins the first team. The possible sale of Deossa, with Natan as the main candidate, and the re‑entry of Dani Ceballos if financial and positional conditions are met are also under review.

What lies ahead for Betis on the Champions path?

With the first preparation phase finished, Fajardo and his staff are fine‑tuning the final steps before the next 'stage'. The priority is to complete the signing of a striker who can deliver Champions‑level quality while maintaining the shirt‑selling policy mentioned by president Ángel Haro. The market still has chapters to write, but the project already shows a clear and ambitious structure.