Betis Seeks Salary Relief to Reinforce Squad During Winter Transfer Window

In order to secure the much-desired signing of a forward during the upcoming winter transfer window, Real Betis must first create salary space. Without player departures, the club lacks the flexibility needed for new acquisitions. In this regard, the club’s Sports Management, led by Manu Fajardo, is actively seeking destinations for players whose performance has not met expectations this season or who are in contractual situations that necessitate an expedited exit before their commitments with the club come to an end.

One player in such a position is Congolese forward Cédric Bakambu. Recently returned from his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored a goal, Bakambu, who will turn 35 in April, still maintains a solid reputation in the market. This season, he has only netted two goals—one in LaLiga (from just 71 minutes of play) and another in the Europa League (407 minutes), where he also provided two assists. However, last season he excelled in the continental tournament, falling just one goal short of being the top scorer in the Conference League, with a total of seven goals (two in LaLiga and one in the Copa del Rey).

Multiple foreign clubs have expressed interest in Bakambu’s situation, including teams from Italy, but he is also being closely monitored by Spanish sides seeking attacking reinforcements. Among these, Oviedo and Alavés have emerged as the most interested parties, as reported by 101TV and confirmed by official sources at MARCA. This interest comes at a time when Bakambu is gaining prominence in Manuel Pellegrini’s rotations due to a long-term injury to Cucho.

The Congolese forward is expected to start this Wednesday in the Copa del Rey against Elche, and likely again on Saturday against Villarreal, as the Colombian will be unavailable. Pellegrini faces further attacking challenges next week during the team’s visit to PAOK in the UEFA Europa League, a match for which Bakambu will be suspended after receiving his third yellow card of the season in the tournament.

In addition to Bakambu, Betis is exploring options for players like Chimy Ávila, who has attracted interest from Getafe, although bureaucratic issues regarding salary limits could complicate his registration. Other squad members may also see their situations change this January if attractive offers arise, including Sergi Altimira, who was signed for less than two million and could generate significant profit, aiding in the team’s restructuring for the second half of the season.