Sergi Altimira’s Role at Betis: Opportunities and Market Interest

Last season, Sergi Altimira logged over 3,100 minutes on the pitch, making him the fourth most utilized player in the Betis squad under Manuel Pellegrini. This season, with more than 1,260 minutes played, he ranks among the top eight players in terms of participation. However, the expected prominence following Amrabat’s departure to the Africa Cup of Nations has been less than anticipated.

Since Sofyan Amrabat’s injury against Utrecht prior to his selection for the national team, Altimira has started only once in La Liga, against Barcelona, where he was substituted at halftime. In the derby, he played less than thirty minutes and scored a goal, but his appearances against Rayo and Real Madrid were minimal. He did not feature at all in the match against Getafe before the Christmas break. His most significant contributions have come in the Europa League and Copa del Rey, where he has been favored over Deossa and Marc Roca in domestic competitions.

As the transfer market opens, interest from several clubs in Altimira is beginning to resurface. Eintracht Frankfurt, a team that expressed interest last summer, is reportedly considering a new bid, according to recent reports from Germany. Additionally, clubs in the Premier League continue to monitor his situation. At Betis, management is taking a measured approach, aware that the midfielder is one of their valuable market assets and that an enticing offer could prompt a reassessment of his position.

In a recent interview with MARCA, Betis’s sporting director, Manu Fajardo, categorized Sergi among players who not only contribute significantly on the field but also have the 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 consider parting with him if the offer exceeds his market valuation.

“Markets are highly variable; needs arise, and some clubs become anxious, potentially putting forward proposals for players far exceeding their actual market worth. We must be prepared across all positions,” Fajardo noted. The verdiblancos are primarily focused on offloading Chimy and Bakambu to secure a striker. Yet, with Roca, Deossa, Amrabat’s impending return, and Fornals’ versatility, the midfield appears well-staffed, making Altimira a key player in this transfer window—provided an offer surpasses his current value of 20 million euros, as estimated by specialized websites like Transfermarkt.