Betis Prepares for Winter Transfer Window with Focus on Forward Reinforcements

omidbasir- With just over a month until the official opening of the winter transfer market, Real Betis is already strategizing to bolster its squad. The assessment of the team’s performance during the initial part of the season, combined with the contractual situations of several players, has prompted the sports management team led by Manu Fajardo to establish clear objectives. Currently, the primary focus is on enhancing the attacking options.

The squad features only two genuine strikers, Cucho Hernández and Bakambu, with alternatives such as Chimy Ávila and Pablo García. The Colombian striker has excelled this season, netting five goals and significantly improving his performance compared to last season and his time in LaLiga before joining MLS. In contrast, Bakambu has seen limited playing time, mainly in the UEFA Europa League, scoring only two goals. His situation, however, differs from his attacking counterpart.

Notably, Bakambu will be departing in December to represent his national team in the Africa Cup of Nations, and his contract with the club expires on June 30, with no prospects for renewal. Consequently, the sports management team is scouring the market for a reinforcement that could replicate past successes in the transfer window, particularly in the forward position.

Historically, the club has acted decisively during the winter transfer window; for instance, a long-term injury to Guido Rodríguez accelerated the acquisition of Johnny Cardoso, initially planned for the following summer. In January, the club also secured players like Fornals, Antony, and Cucho, who became integral members of the starting eleven. Now, Fajardo and his team aim to leverage this unique market opportunity to potentially secure a forward, ideally in advance of a required signing next summer.

The success of this endeavor will depend on the quality of options available to the club, especially in a January window where numerous players seeking World Cup opportunities may look for new environments to gain playing time. Betis is closely monitoring several potential candidates, hoping to bring in a forward with a long-term trajectory, differing from Bakambu, who joined the club at 32 years old and is nearing the end of his career.

Additionally, since the start of the season, Betis has been focused on strengthening the left-back position. Ricardo Rodríguez opted to remain at the club last summer, halting a nearly finalized transfer. With his contract also set to expire in June, the club recognizes the need to reinforce this position come summer. For the time being, however, they feel secure with Rodríguez alongside a fit-again Junior and versatile options like Valentín Gómez temporarily filling the role. The dynamics could change if any exits occur in January.