Real Betis Balompié officially presented their two latest signings, the return of Dani Ceballos and the arrival of striker Troy Parrott, on Tuesday. The event, covered by ABC Deportes, also served for president Ángel Haro and sporting director Manu Fajardo to give a detailed assessment of the summer transfer window and the club's situation, as they prepare for their next La Liga match sitting seventh in the table.
The Verdiblancos have six points from three games, with two wins and one loss, and face Real Madrid at the Benito Villamarín on Wednesday, September 4th. This is a major test against the second-placed team, with Betis three points behind leaders Barcelona.
What did the new players say?
Dani Ceballos, returning to the club of his youth, was received by Ángel Haro and Manu Fajardo. The midfielder stated he always dreamed of being at Betis and never left it in his heart. Meanwhile, Troy Parrott expressed motivation from the competition up front, saying it's good to rival a player like Cucho Hernández. The Irish forward added that the coach asks him simply to score goals.
What is the transfer market assessment?
After the presentation, the president and sporting director offered a detailed review of the summer window. Manu Fajardo emphasized the importance of retaining key players. "Hay que poner en valor la continuidad de Abde y Natan. Hemos rechazado ofertas suculentas," stated the director. Analyzing arrivals and departures man-to-man, Fajardo said he was satisfied with the work done.
Ángel Haro addressed the club's economic situation, noting that ordinary income is insufficient to cover ordinary expenses, mainly player costs, which is a strategic decision by the club. The president also commented that Betis is the fourth team that has invested the most in transfers in LaLiga and has the fifth-largest squad, facts that make him deny understanding any defeatism. Regarding LaLiga's spending limit, Haro explained it is not static and they have always had a small buffer to register Ceballos.
What about the youth academy and frustrated exits?
The president reflected on the need to give more opportunities to young players. "Quizás tendríamos que tener una primera plantilla más corta para que la cantera pueda relucir," said Haro. In this regard, he commented on the departure of Pablo García, whose figures are similar to those reported, and denied any contact with Arsenal. Haro assured he always respects youth players and understands their career may push them to leave, even if it hurts to leave the team you love.
Regarding exits that did not materialize, Fajardo noted there is a contractual link and you cannot force a player to leave a desirable club that will play in the Champions League. Haro added they must respect contracts and legality, and if a player chooses not to leave, little can be done except rescinding his contract by paying it in full.
How is Betis approaching the season?
The club is in a historic moment, bringing in players of unquestionable hierarchy like Ceballos. With four goals scored and five conceded so far in the league, the team is seeking greater defensive solidity. The extra income from the Champions League, which will depend on how far they go and matches won, is key for economic balance.
The Villamarín renovation works are progressing well and before year-end they must tender phase 2, the most important part. On the sporting side, the bet for the defensive midfielder was Bernal, ruling out other operations like that of Youssouf Fofana. Fajardo admitted self-criticism is necessary to be at the level of a club like Betis and that they must be more demanding in certain market moments.
The team's focus is now on the immediate challenge against Real Madrid, a high-voltage match you can check on our fixtures page. The squad, whose full detail is on the squad page, looks to add points ahead of a season packed with competitions.
