Overview of Álvaro Fidalgo’s Introduction at Betis

During the presentation of Álvaro Fidalgo as the new player for Real Betis, the club’s professional football director, Manu Fajardo, alongside president Ángel Haro, discussed various aspects related to the winter transfer market, in which the team welcomed the Asturian midfielder without any departures from the squad.

Fajardo expressed a positive assessment of the transfer activity, stating, “The balance is positive. Grades are assigned at the end of the term. One always wants more. Just yesterday, I was discussing this with Andrés and Álvaro on our way home. That eagerness is what keeps me here. The Betis project demands a 200% effort. Every squad can be improved, including Betis, but I don’t believe there are fifteen teams in the league better than us.”

The sporting director conveyed a message of confidence despite the numerous injuries affecting the squad: “We are missing some key players, yet currently, Betis ranks fifth, and tomorrow we play a crucial quarter-final match in the Copa del Rey. In the Europa League, we finished in fourth place. These are sufficient reasons to feel satisfied and hopeful about the immediate and medium-term future.”

He also clarified that while the club had discussed the need for a striker in recent weeks, the decision to sign Fidalgo instead was made by manager Manuel Pellegrini: “Internally, it’s evident to everyone that we have a great relationship with Manuel. For him, the priority wasn’t a striker due to the burden of other absences. He sought more talent and ball involvement, which is why we accelerated the signing of Álvaro Fidalgo. That was at the top of Manuel’s list.”

Fidalgo is expected to be included in the A List for the knockout rounds of the UEFA Europa League, which Betis must submit by February 5, but his addition will require the departure of another player: “We have a meeting scheduled with Manuel to discuss how to proceed with this change. Additionally, Fajardo confirmed the signing of Brazilian defender Robson for the youth team, stating, “He is a profile that excites us greatly. We are convinced he can bring us joy in the present and medium-term.”

Another topic addressed was Bakambu’s refusal to leave during this transfer window. Fajardo elaborated, “The market is in the past. Amidst numerous movements, we received interest in Cédric, but we must consider and respect the player’s wishes. I call upon the fans: whenever he has worn the Betis jersey, he has given his all on the field. He was a key player last season for Betis reaching a European final. We must all support Cédric 200%.”

Lastly, he spoke about the growth of Deossa, a player Fidalgo knows from his time in Mexico: “We had no doubts about him; he was a signing that excited us greatly. He is physically impressive, but patience is required. The most challenging aspect of this profession is the demand for immediacy. Here, the management trusts in processes that may be lacking in other clubs. He arrived late to professional football, transitioned to a different style of play, and everything requires a process. From day one, we have been close to him to help him understand what Betis is all about. He is demonstrating his capabilities; we had to compete with the Premier League for his signing. We have faith in him.”