Bakambu in demand as Oviedo and Alavés join chase for Betis striker
The Congolese forward has attracted interest from several clubs as Betis look to free up wage space, with Real Oviedo and Alavés emerging as frontrunners.
Betis need to shift players before they can bring in fresh faces, with Cédric Bakambu emerging as a potential departure despite his recent return from AFCON duties.
Wage bill woes
The green-and-whites are in a proper pickle with their finances this January. Manuel Fajardo’s sporting directorate is working overtime to create some breathing room in their wage structure, with no arrivals possible until they’ve freed up some dosh.
Bakambu, who turns 35 in April, finds himself in the shop window despite still having something to offer. The Congolese striker has managed just two goals this season - one in LaLiga from a measly 71 minutes of action, and another in the Europa League where he’s also provided two assists.
Interest building
Several foreign clubs have been sniffing around the veteran forward, particularly from Italy, but it’s the domestic interest that’s heating up. Real Oviedo and Alavés have emerged as the most serious contenders according to reports first broken by 101TV and now confirmed by MARCA.
The timing is a bit Adam and Eve (believe), though, as Bakambu’s importance to Manuel Pellegrini’s squad has suddenly increased following an injury to El Cucho Hernández that will keep the Colombian sidelined for several weeks.
Selection headache
Bakambu is expected to start in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey clash against Elche and likely again on Saturday against Villarreal, with El Cucho definitely unavailable for both fixtures.
However, Pellegrini faces another attacking dilemma for next week’s Europa League visit to PAOK, as Bakambu is suspended after picking up his third yellow card of the competition during Betis’ last European outing.
Other potential departures
Bakambu isn’t the only player who might be on his bike this January:
- Chimy Ávila has attracted interest from Getafe, though their salary cap issues complicate matters
- Sergi Altimira, signed for less than €2 million, could generate significant profit if sold
Betis are clearly hoping to reshape their squad for the second half of the season, but first they need to balance the books.