Betis Faces Challenges in Winter Transfer Window as Deadline Approaches

omidbasir- The final week of the winter transfer market is now underway. This second transfer window for the 2025-26 season will close on Monday, February 2, at 23:59 hours. For Real Betis, the potential to acquire reinforcements, particularly in the attacking zone where alternatives to Cucho Hernández are limited, remains uncertain.

Before the Verdiblancos can pursue a quality striker, they must first create salary space. During the summer, they utilized nearly their entire available limit, as dictated by LaLiga based on their revenues. Therefore, they can only attempt to sign a player by freeing up financial resources. Currently, all potential outgoing moves are on hold, with the club primarily monitoring the situation of Cédric Bakambu, who is the most likely candidate to depart.

In recent days, teams such as Oviedo, Alavés, Genoa, and Pisa have expressed interest in the Congolese player. However, since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, Bakambu has continued to receive playing time under Pellegrini, starting in both the Copa del Rey match against Elche and in LaLiga on Sunday at Mendizorroza. This ongoing involvement has delayed any decisions regarding his future and, consequently, stalled Betis’ ability to enter the transfer market.

It is important to note that Bakambu is not solely responsible for Betis’ inability to sign anyone thus far in January. While he presents the most feasible pathway to create salary space, he is not the only player the club would consider allowing to leave this month. Names like Chimy Ávila and Ricardo Rodríguez are also on the table. However, as days pass, the possibilities diminish and complicate advancements with the primary candidates for the striker position. This month-long market is expected to be defined in the final hours.

The club’s Sports Management appears to be clear that, unless an exceptionally lucrative proposal arises, January is not the optimal time to part with significant assets such as Natan or Abde, with several clubs monitoring their situations. With less than a week before the deadline, the internal focus is on eliciting an immediate response from the squad, which they believe is capable of achieving better results than currently demonstrated. Afterward, attention will turn to the transfer market.