Sergi Altimira’s Current Season Performance and Market Interest

Last season, Sergi Altimira logged over 3,100 minutes on the pitch, making him the fourth most used player in Real Betis by coach Manuel Pellegrini. This season, with more than 1,260 minutes played, he ranks among the top eight players in the squad in terms of participation. However, his anticipated role following Amrabat’s departure for the Africa Cup of Nations has not materialized as expected.

Since Sofyan Amrabat’s injury during the match against Utrecht, just before joining his national team, Altimira has started only once in La Liga, specifically against Barcelona, and was substituted at halftime. He played less than half an hour in the derby, where he did score, but had minimal involvement against Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid. He did not play at all during the match against Getafe prior to the Christmas break. His most significant contributions have been in the Europa League and Copa del Rey, as he has been overshadowed in domestic competitions by Deossa and Marc Roca.

With the transfer market now open, interest in Altimira from several clubs is reigniting. Eintracht Frankfurt, who had previously shown interest last summer, is reportedly considering a renewed bid. Meanwhile, clubs in the Premier League continue to monitor his situation. Real Betis is approaching these developments with caution, aware that the midfielder is one of their key assets and that an attractive offer could prompt them to consider a transfer.

In a recent interview with MARCA, Betis’s sporting director, Manu Fajardo, identified Altimira among a group of players who are not only vital on the field but also possess potential for future capital gains. Other names mentioned included Natan, Valentín Gómez, Deossa, Cucho, Abde, and Riquelme, alongside the tall Catalan pivot. However, the club would only entertain offers that exceed the player’s market value.

“Markets are very volatile; there is demand, and some clubs may become anxious and make offers for players that far exceed their actual market worth due to current circumstances. We must be prepared in all positions,” Fajardo stated. The verdiblancos are initially focused on offloading Chimy and Bakambu to acquire a striker. However, with Roca, Deossa, the upcoming return of Amrabat, and the versatility of Fornals, the midfield appears adequately covered, making Altimira a potential key player in this transfer market—provided any offer exceeds his current valuation of 20 million euros, according to specialized websites like Transfermarkt.