Betis closing in on Álvaro Fidalgo as Fajardo drops transfer hint
Real Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo all but confirms the imminent arrival of Álvaro Fidalgo from Club América, with potential for more deadline day business.
Betis are on the verge of making their first winter signing with Álvaro Fidalgo set to join the Verdiblancos, according to sporting director Manu Fajardo who’s practically let the cat out of the bag ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.
Deal in final stages
Speaking to Movistar LaLiga TV before Betis’ match against Valencia at La Cartuja, Fajardo couldn’t quite bring himself to officially confirm the deal, but his comments left little to the imagination:
“We’ve been following Álvaro Fidalgo closely and we’re just finishing the final details,” Fajardo revealed, making it crystal clear that the Asturian midfielder is Seville-bound.
Interestingly, Betis had originally planned to bring Fidalgo in during the summer window but have accelerated their plans due to the injury crisis that’s hit Pellegrini’s squad. Bit of a result for the Béticos, that.
What Fidalgo brings to Betis
Fajardo was positively gushing about the midfielder’s qualities, highlighting exactly why they’ve moved to sign the 26-year-old from Mexican side Club América:
- Versatile - can operate as both a number 8 or 10
- “Exquisite technique” - his words, not mine
- Strong attacking runs from midfield
- Fits perfectly with “Betis’ identity” - suggesting he’ll slot right into Pellegrini’s possession-based approach
More business brewing?
The transfer wheeler-dealer didn’t stop there. Fajardo teased the possibility of additional business before the window slams shut on Monday night.
Betis are actively working on offloading Cédric Bakambu, which would free up valuable salary cap space to bring in a striker - a position Pellegrini is desperate to strengthen for the second half of the campaign.
“You never know if there’ll be something more while the market remains open,” Fajardo hinted, suggesting Betis fans might want to keep their eyes peeled on deadline day.