Betis secure Fidalgo coup on long-term deal until 2030
Real Betis have officially signed Álvaro Fidalgo from Club América on a contract until 2030, beating several European clubs to the Spanish midfielder's signature.
Betis have pulled off a proper bit of business in the winter window, landing Spanish midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo from Mexican giants Club América on a four-and-a-half year deal.
Bargain buy from Mexico
The Seville club have moved swiftly to secure the 28-year-old Asturian for just under €2 million, tying him down until June 2030. Fidalgo becomes Manuel Pellegrini’s first winter reinforcement in what’s turned out to be a right steal for Los Verdiblancos.
The transfer wasn’t originally on the cards for January, but Betis accelerated their plans after injuries to creative sparks Isco and Giovani Lo Celso left them short of options in midfield. Both players remain sidelined with no clear return date, forcing sporting director Manu Fajardo’s hand.
Beating the competition
What makes this deal even more impressive is that Betis have nicked him from under the noses of some serious competition. Real Sociedad and Italian side Lazio had both shown interest in the midfielder, whose contract with América was set to expire this summer.
The writing was on the wall when Fidalgo was left out of América’s squad for their match against Necaxa at the last minute. On Sunday, he held a farewell press conference before jetting off to Spain to begin his new chapter in green and white.
Madrid academy product returns to Spain
Fidalgo’s journey has been nothing if not interesting:
- Started in Asturian youth football before joining Real Madrid’s academy as a teenager
- Brief loan spell at Rayo Majadahonda
- Made his first-team debut for Madrid in the Copa del Rey
- Played for Castilla (Madrid’s B team)
- Moved to Castellón
- Joined Club América under Santiago Solari (his former Madrid youth coach)
During his five years in Mexico, Fidalgo became a fan favorite at América. Now he’s heading back to Spanish soil, with his arrival in Seville expected tomorrow.
This could be a proper diamond geezer signing for Betis if he brings his Mexican form back to La Liga.