Betis facing two key squad issues with three weeks to fix them
Manuel Pellegrini's side need reinforcements at striker and left-back as the January transfer window enters its final stretch, with wage cap restrictions complicating matters.
Betis have identified two glaring weaknesses in their squad that need sorting before the transfer window slams shut on February 2nd.
Striker shortage becoming critical
The Verde y Blanco have been struggling up top all season, with backup forwards failing to deliver the goods when called upon:
- Chimy Ávila has yet to find the net in any competition this season
- Bakambu has managed just two goals across La Liga and Europa League
- Star striker Cucho Hernández now faces 3-4 weeks out with a muscle injury picked up against Oviedo
The situation is proper pants for a club with European ambitions. The lack of firepower was anticipated last summer when attempts to shift Chimy Ávila fell through, but the problem has now reached critical mass with Cucho’s absence.
Left-back headache continues
The other trouble spot for Pellegrini has been at left-back, where:
- Ricardo Rodríguez has never fully convinced since joining
- Junior Firpo’s return has been marred by three separate injuries in half a season
- Centre-back Valentín Gómez has been deployed as a makeshift solution
While Gómez offers defensive stability, he lacks the attacking thrust needed from a modern full-back. This tactical compromise also limits rotation options in central defence, creating a knock-on effect throughout the squad.
Race against time
The sporting department under Fajardo has been working for months on potential solutions for both positions. However, as any Spurs fan would tell you, it’s not just about identifying targets – the bread and honey has to work too.
Betis must navigate La Liga’s strict salary cap regulations, meaning they’ll need to create wage space before bringing in the “reinforcements, not just names” that Pellegrini is demanding.
Despite these challenges, the squad should still have enough quality to secure European football again, but addressing these two key areas would significantly boost their prospects for the second half of the season.