Bakambu heading for Betis exit as Genoa and Pisa circle
Real Betis working on loan deal to offload Franco-Congolese striker Cédric Bakambu with Italian clubs showing interest in the out-of-favour forward.
Cédric Bakambu’s time at Real Betis appears to be coming to an abrupt end with the Franco-Congolese striker set for a January exit as Italian clubs circle for his signature.
Loan move in the works
Betis are actively working to arrange a loan move for Bakambu that would free up wage budget and create space in the squad. According to reports, both Genoa and Pisa have expressed interest in the 32-year-old forward, with any potential deal likely to include a purchase option based on performance.
The striker’s absence from Betis’ Europa League squad that traveled to Thessaloniki for their match against PAOK was telling. Even more significant was sporting director Manu Fajardo also remaining in Seville, presumably to hammer out the details of Bakambu’s departure.
Limited opportunities
It’s been a right old struggle for Bakambu this season:
- Just 56 minutes of action since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations
- All those minutes came in the Copa del Rey against Elche
- Hasn’t featured in La Liga since October 27th
- Suspended for Betis’ seventh Europa League match
The situation has gone from bad to worse for the former Villarreal man, who’s found himself slipping further down the pecking order. El Chimy Ávila has taken advantage of injuries to other forwards to cement his place in the rotation, effectively closing the door on Bakambu’s chances at the Benito Villamarín.
Fresh start
By all accounts, Bakambu himself is keen on a change of scenery that would guarantee him regular playing time and competitive rhythm. The striker’s departure is already being accepted as a foregone conclusion in Seville.
The only question that remains is where the forward’s next destination will be. Both Genoa in Serie A and Pisa in Serie B represent interesting options for a player desperate to get back on the pitch and prove he still has what it takes at the top level.
For Betis, moving on a high-earning squad player who isn’t in their plans makes perfect sense as they look to strengthen elsewhere. Bit of a no-brainer this one, innit?