Betis director Fajardo reveals 'many clubs' circling for Bakambu amid Alavés links
Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo addresses transfer speculation around Cédric Bakambu while discussing the club's injury challenges ahead of their clash with Alavés.
Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo has confirmed significant interest in forward Cédric Bakambu, with Alavés among the clubs believed to be keen on the Congolese striker during the January window.
Injury Crisis Taking Its Toll
Speaking to DAZN pitchside at Mendizorroza before Betis’ La Liga clash with Alavés, Fajardo opened up about the challenges facing the Seville club as injuries continue to mount.
“Unfortunately, we’re missing important players and that takes its toll day-to-day, especially when planning rotations – particularly when we’re playing every three days,” Fajardo explained.
The sporting director’s comments highlight the selection headaches for manager Manuel Pellegrini, who’s been forced to get creative with his lineups in recent weeks as the treatment room at Benito Villamarín fills up.
Bakambu: Hot Property in the Market
While Fajardo maintained a professional stance regarding transfer speculation, he couldn’t hide the fact that Bakambu has become one of the most sought-after players in Betis’ squad.
“Cédric is a player who appeals to many clubs,” Fajardo admitted, while carefully avoiding specifics about Alavés’ reported interest. “Perhaps today isn’t the moment to speculate – we must be respectful to other clubs – but he’s certainly a player many clubs have inquired about recently.”
The timing of these comments was particularly interesting given they came before facing Alavés, one of the clubs reportedly keen on signing the 30-year-old forward.
Chimy and Bakambu Still in Pellegrini’s Plans
Despite the transfer noise, Fajardo insisted that both Bakambu and Ezequiel ‘Chimy’ Ávila – another player linked with a potential exit – remain part of the squad for now.
“While Chimy and Bakambu are at Real Betis Balompié, they’re part of the group, and the manager decides who plays,” Fajardo stated, suggesting that any decisions on their futures would be made with the club’s best interests at heart.
With just days remaining in the January window, it’ll be interesting to see if Betis can hang onto their in-demand assets or if the right offer might tempt them to cash in and reinvest in Pellegrini’s injury-hit squad.